COLCHESTER, Vt. – A first-half hat trick from Feline Rook powered Pace University Field Hockey to a 4-2 victory over Saint Michael's College on Saturday afternoon at Duffy Field. The Setters improved to 10-5 overall and 3-3 in Northeast 10 Conference play, reaching double-digit wins for the season.
Pace wasted little time establishing control, creating several early scoring opportunities before Olivia Martinez opened the scoring just 4:38 into the contest. Rook provided the assist on Martinez's goal before finding the back of the cage herself less than four minutes later, doubling the Setters' advantage to 2-0.
The Blue and Gold continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, with Rook striking again at the 20:53 mark to extend the lead to three. She completed her hat trick less than four minutes later, scoring at 24:31 to give Pace a commanding 4-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Setters maintained their offensive momentum after the break, recording seven shots and five penalty corners in the third quarter. Saint Michael's was held scoreless through the opening 45 minutes as Pace carried its four-goal lead into the final period.
The Purple Knights scored twice in the fourth quarter, but the Setters maintained their advantage to secure the road victory.
Rook finished with a game-high seven points on three goals and one assist, recording eight shots with five on target. Martinez added a goal on six shots, including five on goal.
Pace controlled the offensive statistics, outshooting Saint Michael's 24-8 and holding a 15-3 advantage in penalty corners. The Setters placed 17 shots on goal, while Tara Dusée made one save in 45 scoreless minutes and Caitlyn Zabko recorded two saves in the final quarter.
The Setters return to Northeast 10 Conference action on Tuesday, Oct. 27, when they travel to American International College for a 7:00 p.m. matchup.
