PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Under the lights of Northwell Stadium, the Pace University women's soccer team kicked off its 2025 season with a 2-1 victory over Georgian Court University on Friday evening. The win marks a strong start for the Setters, who looked confident on both ends of the pitch as they set the tone for a new campaign.

The Blue and Gold showed immediate energy from the opening whistle, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. That determination paid off early, as Ava Viebrock put Pace ahead in just the sixth minute of action. With the Setters feeding off the momentum of the early strike, they maintained control for much of the first half, creating chances and keeping the Lions without a shot on goal through the opening 45 minutes.

Viebrock's opener came on a perfectly placed cross from Meredith Klosek, giving Pace the first goal of the season and igniting the crowd. The Setters continued to attack, as Allison Carr, Bailey Olson, and Kyra Sienkiewicz each tested the Georgian Court goalkeeper with strong efforts. Defensively, the back line of Hannah Rautenstrauch and Milani Thompson stayed composed, shutting down the Lions' attempts to build any rhythm.

The second half brought a surge of urgency from Georgian Court, but the Setters responded with poise. In the 61st minute, Carr doubled Pace's lead with a searing shot into the top left corner, extending the advantage to 2-0. The Lions countered with sustained pressure, yet goalkeeper Anna Fiore rose to the occasion. Making six saves in the second half alone, Fiore kept the visitors at bay during their strongest stretch.

Georgian Court finally broke through in the 79th minute to cut the deficit in half, but the Setters' defense absorbed the late push and held on through the final whistle. Fiore's steady presence, combined with timely defensive clearances, sealed the opening-night victory.

The Setters (1-0) return to action on Sunday, at 5:00 p.m., when they host Chestnut Hill College at Northwell Stadium.