NEW HAVEN, CT. – Behind four total touchdowns from quarterback Tray Mauney and a dominant defensive performance, Pace University Football rolled past Southern Connecticut State University, 39-14, on Saturday afternoon at Jess Dow Field. The Setters improved to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in Northeast 10 Conference play, securing their sixth victory of the season ahead of next week's conference championship showdown.
After Southern Connecticut opened the scoring on its first possession, Pace responded with a 28-yard field goal from Marc Malandruccolo to cut the deficit to four. The Setters' defense settled in following the opening drive, keeping the Owls off the scoreboard for the remainder of the first half.
Pace took its first lead late in the second quarter when Mauney capped a six-play drive with a four-yard touchdown run, putting the Blue and Gold ahead 10-7.
The Setters struck again just before halftime, marching 70 yards in five plays as Mauney found the end zone from three yards out with 25 seconds remaining. The score extended Pace's advantage to 17-7 heading into the break.
The Blue and Gold continued to build momentum coming out of halftime, opening the third quarter with a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Mauney connected with John Nasky Jr. for a 42-yard touchdown to push the lead to 24-7.
Pace added another touchdown later in the period when Ethan Lopez broke free for a 29-yard rushing score, extending the advantage to 30-7 entering the fourth quarter.
The Setters wasted little time adding to their lead in the final frame, as Mauney found Nasky Jr. again for a 10-yard touchdown just 13 seconds into the quarter. Malandruccolo added a 31-yard field goal midway through the fourth to make it 39-7 before Southern Connecticut scored late.
Mauney finished with 223 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 82 yards and two additional scores. Nasky Jr. caught four passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns, while Gary Wilkins added three receptions for 70 yards. Joe Fleming contributed 76 rushing yards, and Lopez finished with 44 yards and a touchdown.
Pace totaled 468 yards of offense, including 245 on the ground, while holding Southern Connecticut to just six rushing yards. The Setters controlled possession for 37:05 and recorded 24 first downs.
Defensively, Travis Osterhout led the way with nine tackles, followed by LaRhon Williams with five. Ali Seidou, Don Dorcelly and Luke Shank each recorded a sack, while the Setters recovered two fumbles.
The Setters return home on Saturday, Nov. 14, when they host RV Assumption University at Northwell Stadium for a noon kickoff. For the first time in program history, Pace will play for a conference championship, looking to complete a historic turnaround after finishing the 2025 season winless.
