SPRINGFIELD, MA. – A third-quarter goal from Grace Francis brought Pace University Field Hockey within striking distance, but the Setters were unable to complete the comeback in a 2-1 loss to American International College on Tuesday evening. Pace moved to 10-6 overall and 3-4 in Northeast 10 Conference play despite holding a 16-5 advantage in shots and a 13-2 edge in penalty corners.
The Setters established offensive pressure from the opening minutes, generating five shots and four penalty corners in the first quarter. Olivia Martinez, Francis and Feline Rook each forced saves, while Anne Kopec had a penalty stroke denied in the 14th minute.
American International capitalized on its opportunities in the second quarter, scoring at the 18:11 and 22:39 marks to build a two-goal advantage. Pace continued creating chances before halftime, but the Yellow Jackets carried their lead into the break.
The Blue and Gold broke through in the 36th minute when Francis converted a penalty corner opportunity off an assist from Martinez, cutting the deficit to one.
Pace kept the pressure on throughout the final quarter, recording four shots and three penalty corners while holding AIC without a shot. Rook nearly delivered the equalizer in the 53rd minute, but her attempt was stopped by a defensive save.
Francis finished with a game-high six shots, including three on goal, while Rook added four attempts and Martinez contributed three. Tara Dusée made one save in goal.
Tuesday's defeat also ended Pace's nine-game winning streak against American International, giving the Yellow Jackets their first victory in the series since Oct. 5, 2016.
The Setters return home on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, to face No. 8 Saint Anselm College at Peter X. Finnerty Field. The 4:00 p.m. contest comes as Pace enters the final stretch of the regular season with the NE10 postseason approaching.
