PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Top-seeded Pace University softball kicked off NCAA East Regional play with a 3-0 victory over D'Youville University on Thursday morning at the Pace Softball Field.
Backed by a brilliant one-hit shutout from
Gisselle Garcia and an impressive day at the plate for
Brianna Shea, the Setters advanced to the winner bracket in the East Regional as the action continues tomorrow at noon.
Here's What Happened
- All of Pace's offense came off the bat of graduate third baseman Shea, who delivered a solo home run in the second inning and followed it up with a two-run double in the third.
- In the third, Kaylee Matsuda reached via walk and advanced on a sacrifice. After another walk to Raelle Gorman, both runners moved into scoring position on a steal. Shea capitalized, lining a double to the gap in left-center to plate both runners and push Pace's lead to 3-0.
- Garcia took care of the rest, striking out multiple batters in six of her seven innings and allowing just three baserunners total. D'Youville's only hit came in the fourth inning, and the Spartans never moved a runner past second base.
- The Setters showcased the dominant formula that has fueled their success all season—elite pitching, timely hitting, and clean defense. As they advance in the NCAA East Regional with their 3-0 win, Pace will look to maintain that momentum and take another step toward a return to the Super Regional round.
Box Score Insights
- Garcia, one of the most decorated pitchers in program history, was electric in the circle once again. The Lemon Grove, CA. native struck out 15 batters, walked just two, and allowed only a single hit in a complete-game shutout - her 25th win of the season and 19th complete game.
- Shea had one of her best performances of the season for the Blue and Gold, and it could not have come at a better time. The senior infielder drove in all three of Pace's runs, going 2-for-3 with a double and a home run.
- As a team, the Setters produced four hits compared to D'Youville's one as pitching dominated the majority of the game.
Up Next (Saint Thomas Aquinas College, NCAA East Regional)
With the win, Pace improves to 42-10 and advances in the winners' bracket of the NCAA East Regional. The Setters return to action tomorrow, where they will face Saint Thomas Aquinas College at noon.
