WORCESTER, Mass. – Pace University Football remained within striking distance throughout Saturday afternoon, but Assumption University pulled away in the second half before holding off a late Setters push for a 34-27 final score. Pace moved to 1-2 on the season.
After Assumption opened the scoring, the Setters responded with a nine-play, 65-yard drive. Tray Mauney capped the possession with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Kyler Robinson, and Pace grabbed its first lead later in the quarter when Mauney crossed the goal line on a one-yard keeper to make it 14-7.
Assumption answered with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to move back in front. The Setters cut into the deficit just before halftime as Jared Pineda connected on a 47-yard field goal as time expired, sending Pace into the break trailing 21-17.
The Blue and Gold continued to apply pressure coming out of halftime. Pace opened the third quarter with an 11-play drive that took more than six minutes off the clock, with Marc Malandruccolo converting a 39-yard field goal to bring the Setters within one, 21-20.
Assumption responded with a touchdown late in the third quarter before adding another early in the fourth to extend its advantage to 34-20.
Pace continued battling through the final seconds. Taking possession at its own 16-yard line with 2:39 remaining, the Setters marched 84 yards on 14 plays. Mauney completed the drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to John Nasky Jr. with two seconds remaining for the final points of the afternoon.
Mauney finished 23-of-35 through the air for 220 yards and two touchdowns without an interception while adding 49 rushing yards and a score. Gary Wilkins paced the receiving corps with six catches for 72 yards, while Anthony Robinson contributed 47 yards on the ground.
The Setters totaled 353 yards of offense and held the ball for 33:06. Defensively, Suliman Pitts registered a team-high nine tackles, Nathen Choute added eight and Ali Seidou came away with an interception.
The Setters return home to Northwell Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, for their next contest against Saint Anselm College set for a 12:00 p.m. kick-off.
