PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Wednesday, Pace University Softball continued Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) play with a doubleheader against American International College at the Pace Softball Field. The Blue and Gold were competitive throughout both contests but ultimately dropped a pair of close games, falling 5–1 in the opener before a 6–5 setback in game two, moving to 13–17 overall and 6–11 in NE10 play.
Game One
Both sides settled into a pitching duel early, with neither team able to break through across the first five innings. Pace consistently put runners on base, collecting 12 hits in the game, but was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
American International shifted the momentum in the sixth inning, using timely hitting and capitalizing on defensive miscues to score five runs and take a 5–0 lead. The Setters looked to answer immediately in the bottom half, as
Mikayla Hughes delivered an RBI double to score
Ava Edmond and cut the deficit to 5–1.
Pace continued to apply pressure late, putting multiple runners on base in the seventh inning. The Blue and Gold threatened to extend the inning, but American International closed the door to secure the win.
Kaylee Matsuda led the offensive effort with three hits, while
Riley Jenkins and
Faith Scally each recorded multi-hit performances. Despite the result, the Setters showed consistent production at the plate throughout the contest.
Game Two
The Setters carried that offensive momentum into the second game, scoring in the opening inning before adding another run in the third to take a 2–1 lead. Pace controlled the tempo through the middle innings, limiting opportunities and keeping the lead intact entering the final frame.
American International responded in the seventh inning, breaking the game open with a five-run rally to take a 6–2 advantage. The Blue and Gold answered in the bottom half, as
Willa Poplawski delivered a two-run single before
Addison Martinez added an RBI hit to cut the deficit to 6–5.
Pace brought the tying run into scoring position and continued to apply pressure in the final inning. However, American International held on to secure the win and complete the sweep.
Matsuda once again led the offense with three hits and three runs scored, while Poplawski drove in two runs to highlight the late rally. The Setters totaled nine hits in the contest and remained within striking distance throughout.
The Setters return to action on Saturday for an in-conference doubleheader against nationally ranked No. 21 Franklin Pierce University, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. to begin a four-game weekend series.
