PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Lacrosse hosted a top-five showdown on Monday evening at Northwell Stadium, falling to the University of Tampa, 16–8. The match-up featured two nationally ranked programs, with the No. 12 Setters jumping out to an early lead before the No. 5 Spartans used a strong second and third quarter to pull away. With the result, the Blue and Gold move to 2–2 overall with conference play beginning this week.

Pace opened the contest with an energetic start on both ends of the field. Lia Villari struck first off an assist from Annie Sheehan, and moments later Villari capitalized on a man-up opportunity to give the Setters a quick 2–0 lead. Marissa Doty extended the advantage with an unassisted goal midway through the opening quarter, pushing Pace ahead 3–0. Tampa answered with a goal before Maddie Schubert responded for the Blue and Gold, finishing another possession to give the Setters a 4–1 lead late in the first. The Spartans added a late goal in the final seconds of the quarter, but Pace still held a 4–2 advantage after the opening frame.

Tampa shifted the momentum in the second quarter. The Spartans scored five times in the period, including three goals from Mary Kate Person, to erase the deficit and build a 7–4 lead. The Setters briefly halted the run late in the half when Madison Wade finished a feed from Schubert with 20 seconds remaining, trimming the margin to 7–5 at halftime.

The Spartans extended their advantage in the third quarter, scoring five additional goals during the period. Doty provided a highlight for Pace with a man-up tally midway through the frame, but Tampa maintained control heading into the fourth with a 12–6 lead.

In the final quarter, the Setters continued to compete against the nationally ranked Spartans. Villari added her third goal of the night on another man-up opportunity before Abigail O'Connor scored in the closing seconds to cap the scoring for the Blue and Gold.

Villari led Pace offensively with three goals, while Doty added two goals. Schubert finished with one goal and one assist, and Wade and O'Connor each added a goal. Annie Sheehan recorded an assist while also collecting a team-high five ground balls in the contest.

Pace returns to action on Thursday, when the Setters travel to face No. 22 Saint Anselm College to open Northeast 10 Conference play. Opening draw is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.