MANCHESTER, N.H. – Representing the conference as the third-seed, Pace University Men's Lacrosse authored one of the biggest wins in program history Wednesday afternoon, rallying from a four-goal third-quarter deficit to defeat #2 seed Saint Anselm College, 8-7, in the Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) Semifinals at Grappone Stadium. With the victory, the Setters improved to 12-4 overall and advanced to the NE10 Championship game for the third time in program history, and for the first time since 2003.
The Blue and Gold found themselves trailing 4-2 at halftime and then 6-2 early in the third quarter as Saint Anselm appeared in control. But the Setters responded with one of their most dramatic runs of the season.
Will Danowski ignited the comeback with a goal at 11:47 of the third before
Zach Goetze scored less than a minute later to cut the deficit to 6-4.
Declan Landers added a goal 31 seconds later, and
Jake Cenci completed the stunning four-goal run with the equalizer at the 9:00 mark as Pace erased the four-goal deficit in just under three minutes.
The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where Danowski gave the Setters their first lead since the opening quarter at 7-6 with 11:53 to play. With just 3:43 remaining, Goetze buried his third goal of the day for what proved to be the game-winner.
Saint Anselm answered 22 seconds later to make it 8-7, but Pace's defense stood firm down the stretch.
Jack Kern made 13 saves, including a stop in the final seconds while the Setters killed off a late extra-man opportunity to preserve the victory.
Goetze led Pace with a hat trick, while Cenci and Danowski each scored twice. Landers added a goal and an assist, while the defense forced 21 turnovers and held off a Saint Anselm squad that entered the game 11-1.
After being outscored 6-2 through the opening 17 minutes, the Setters closed the game on a 6-1 run, turning a four-goal deficit into one of the most significant postseason victories in program history.
The historic victory adds another chapter to an impressive season under Head Coach
Tom Mariano, who earlier this spring became the all-time wins leader in program history and now has the Setters one win away from a conference crown.
Pace previously reached the NE10 Championship in 1999, capturing the title against Merrimack, and returned in 2003 before falling to Le Moyne. Now, the Blue and Gold will compete for the trophy once again.
The Setters return to the field for the NE10 Championship game on Saturday, with opponent, time, and location to be announced.
