PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Volleyball opened the 2026 campaign in winning fashion Thursday evening, sweeping Dominican University of New York, 3-0, inside the Goldstein Fitness Center. The Setters earned the victory by set scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-16 to begin the season 1-0.
Pace established its attack early in the opening set, putting down 16 kills while hitting .233. After an early stretch that featured five ties and two lead changes, the Setters created separation and took the opening frame, 25-19.
The Blue and Gold carried the momentum into the second set, turning in their most efficient offensive performance of the match. Pace registered 14 kills against just four errors for a .278 hitting percentage, pulling away for a 25-18 victory to move one set away from the sweep.
The Setters controlled the third set from start to finish, as Dominican was unable to force a tie or lead change in the frame. Pace put down 12 more kills and closed out its first victory of the season with a 25-16 decision.
Ileann Alessandra Perez led a balanced offensive effort with nine kills on 13 attacks and just two errors, finishing with a .538 hitting percentage. Keelah Chambliss followed with eight kills while hitting .385 in two sets, while Jaliyah Johnson added seven kills. Kadence Ackmann and Paola Ortiz each contributed six kills, with Ackmann also recording two service aces.
Aralyn Saulys paced the Setters with 19 assists while adding 12 digs and two service aces. Alice Bender recorded a team-high 14 digs to go along with eight assists, while Camila Rodriguez chipped in 12 assists and eight digs.
Pace finished the evening with 42 kills and a .237 hitting percentage while limiting Dominican to 30 kills and a .132 clip. The Setters also held advantages in digs, 55-48, and service aces, 10-3.
The Setters hit the road for the first time this season on Saturday, traveling to Scranton, PA., for a 1:00 p.m. match-up against Lackawanna College.
