PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Behind a hat trick from Feline Rook, Pace University Field Hockey closed out the 2026 regular season with a commanding 5-1 victory over Franklin Pierce University on Friday evening at Peter X. Finnerty Field. The Setters improved to 12-6 overall and 5-4 in Northeast 10 Conference play, securing their second consecutive victory as they prepare for the upcoming NE10 Championship.
Pace wasted little time taking control, striking twice in the opening two minutes to establish an early advantage. Rook opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the contest, converting a feed from Grace Francis to put the Setters ahead.
Only 62 seconds later, Olivia Martinez doubled the advantage, finding the back of the cage off an assist from Josefina Villa Alonso at the 1:42 mark.
The Blue and Gold continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, with Rook delivering her second goal of the evening at 19:16. Francis provided her second assist of the contest as Pace carried a 3-0 advantage into halftime.
The Setters extended their lead shortly after the break, as Francis found the back of the cage at 31:10 off an assist from Rook, pushing the margin to four goals.
Franklin Pierce broke through early in the fourth quarter when Abigail Tarka scored at 45:48, trimming the deficit to 4-1. Pace answered late in the period, with Rook completing her hat trick at 56:04 off a feed from Carlotta Oschmann to put the finishing touches on the victory.
Rook finished with a game-high three goals and an assist for seven points, while Francis contributed a goal and two assists for four points. Martinez added a goal, with Villa Alonso and Oschmann each recording an assist.
Pace held a commanding 24-6 advantage in shots, including an 18-4 edge in shots on goal. Francis led the offensive pressure with seven shots, while Jessica Bowden added five and Rook recorded four. Freshman goalkeeper Tara Dusée made three saves across 60 minutes to earn the victory.
Having already secured its spot in the NE10 Championship, Pace now awaits its postseason opponent, with the match-up, date and time still to be determined.
