PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Saturday afternoon, Pace University Football delivered an inspired effort but came up just shy in a 27-19 loss to Post University at Northwell Stadium. The Setters moved the ball effectively throughout the contest, highlighted by a three-touchdown performance from wide receiver
Elizjah Lewis. However, a pair of late scores by the visitors proved to be the difference maker as the Setters fall to 0-4 on the season.
The Blue and Gold struck first midway through the opening quarter, putting together an impressive 11-play, 80-yard drive. Quarterback
Ethan Coady capped the march with an 11-yard strike to Lewis in the end zone, while
Marc Malandruccolo tacked on the extra point to make it 7-0.
Post responded with a strong second quarter, tying the game on a 25-yard touchdown run before adding another score in the final seconds of the half to take a 14-7 lead into the break.
The Setters came out firing to open the third quarter as Coady connected with Lewis on a deep ball down the middle for a 55-yard touchdown. The score cut the deficit to 14-13, though the extra point attempt was off the mark. Pace's defense held firm through much of the period, with
Suliman Pitts leading the way with 10 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Momentum fully shifted to the Blue and Gold early in the fourth quarter when Coady found Lewis yet again, this time for a 44-yard touchdown connection that gave the Setters a 19-14 advantage. However, the Eagles countered with a go-ahead touchdown pass just three minutes later before returning an interception for another score to establish a 27-19 lead.
Pace continued to battle in the final minutes, driving deep into Post territory, but the comeback effort ultimately fell short as the visitors held on for the victory.
Coady closed the day with 324 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Lewis proved unstoppable with 151 receiving yards on seven catches to go with his three scores.
Kyler Robinson and
Gary Wilkins combined for more than 130 receiving yards, while Pitts highlighted the defensive unit with a team-high 10 tackles.
Kyle Weeks also added an interception in the fourth quarter.
The Setters return to Northeast 10 Conference action next Saturday, when they travel to face the University of New Haven. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at DellaCamera Stadium in New Haven, CT.
