HOOKSETT, N.H. – Three different Setters found the back of the net Saturday afternoon as Pace University Women's Soccer continued its strong start to the season with a 3-2 Northeast 10 Conference victory over Southern New Hampshire University at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium. Pace improved to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
Pace needed just over nine minutes to strike first. Bindiya Wadhwani helped create the early breakthrough, setting up Bailey Olson for the sophomore's finish and a 1-0 advantage.
The Setters continued to push forward, with Alyssa Blanchette nearly doubling the lead when she struck the woodwork in the 24th minute. Southern New Hampshire eventually pulled even at 31:27, but the response from Pace came less than three minutes later.
Kaelyn Reinhard connected with Blanchette, who buried the go-ahead goal at 34:25 to send the Setters into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
Pace added what proved to be a crucial insurance goal early in the second half. Milani Thompson and Reinhard combined to set up Meredith Klosek in the 53rd minute, extending the lead to 3-1. The assist was Reinhard's second of the afternoon.
The Setters continued creating chances after going ahead by two, including an Olson attempt that struck the woodwork. Southern New Hampshire increased the pressure down the stretch, but Siena McCree and the Pace defense kept the Penmen from cutting into the deficit until the 89th minute.
McCree finished with seven saves across 90 minutes, including four in the second half. Pace generated a season-high 26 shots, with Blanchette accounting for 10 attempts and four on goal. The Setters put nine shots on target and earned six corner kicks.
The victory gives Pace back-to-back road wins and moves the Setters to seven victories through their first nine matches.
The Setters return to action Saturday, Oct. 3, when travel to Saint Michael's College for a Kickoff scheduled for 12:00 pm
