MANCHESTER, N.H. – Despite a strong defensive effort and a late push on the offensive end, the Pace University Field Hockey dropped a 3-1 decision to Saint Anselm College on Saturday afternoon in Northeast 10 Conference play. With the loss, the Blue and Gold now sit at 1-5 on the year and 0-1 in NE10 competition.

The Setters battled through a scoreless opening quarter, with goalkeeper Morgan Strecker turning aside multiple chances to keep the game level. Pace's defense held firm until the final minutes of the first half, when the Hawks broke through to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

Saint Anselm doubled its advantage with a penalty stroke in the third quarter, but Pace responded early in the fourth. Kyleigh Kearney capitalized in the 50th minute, finishing off a setup from Feline Rook to pull the Setters within 2-1. The momentum was short-lived, however, as the Hawks tacked on an insurance goal less than four minutes later to close out the contest.

Kearney led the Blue and Gold with three shots on goal, while Rook and Olivia Martinez also recorded attempts. Strecker turned in a busy afternoon in the cage, making 10 saves against 25 Saint Anselm shots.

The Setters are back at home next week, facing Adelphi University on Wednesday, at 4:00 p.m. at Peter X. Finnerty Field.