COLCHESTER, VT. – Pace University Women's Soccer went toe-to-toe with unbeaten No. 24 Saint Michael's College Saturday afternoon, twice finding the back of the net in a back-and-forth second half before a late goal sent the Setters to a 3-2 Northeast 10 Conference loss. Pace moved to 7-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
The opening 45 minutes went without a goal despite opportunities on both ends. Siena McCree was tested throughout the half and turned away six shots, while Meredith Klosek, Alyssa Blanchette, Ava Jordan and Kaelyn Reinhard each put attempts on frame for the Setters.
It took Pace just 21 seconds after halftime to break the deadlock. Bailey Olson connected with Blanchette, who finished the opportunity to give the Setters a 1-0 advantage.
Saint Michael's answered at 50:52 and took its first lead in the 62nd minute, but the Setters needed only 54 seconds to respond. Bindiya Wadhwani found Olson, who buried the equalizer at 62:47 to pull Pace even at 2-2. Olson finished the afternoon with three points behind a goal and an assist. 20261003024146-397729
Pace continued searching for the go-ahead goal as Blanchette forced another save in the 67th minute and Klosek put an attempt on target in the 71st.
The deciding goal instead came at the other end at 79:19, when Saint Michael's broke the tie and moved ahead 3-2. The Setters pushed for another response over the final 10 minutes but could not produce a third goal.
McCree finished with eight saves across 90 minutes. Pace registered 14 shots, placing eight on goal, while Blanchette and Jordan led the Setters with four attempts apiece. Klosek put both of her shots on target.
The Setters return home Tuesday, Oct. 6, when they welcome Adelphi University to Pleasantville, N.Y., for an in-conference match-up at 7:00 p.m.
