PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Football opened the 2026 season Friday night at Northwell Stadium, falling to RV East Stroudsburg University, 37-26, despite a strong first half and three touchdown passes from Tray Mauney. The Setters held a 20-17 advantage at halftime before the Warriors pulled ahead in the second half.

Pace struck first with an 11-play, 65-yard drive that ended on Mauney's five-yard touchdown pass to Jack Coleman. After East Stroudsburg answered, Mauney connected with Ian Adrien for a 41-yard score to put the Setters back in front, 13-7.

The Blue and Gold carried the lead into halftime after Mauney found Gary Wilkins for an 18-yard touchdown with 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter. East Stroudsburg responded with a field goal as time expired, sending Pace into the locker room ahead 20-17.

East Stroudsburg used a pair of rushing touchdowns in the third quarter to move in front. Pace stayed within striking distance behind a 32-yard field goal from Marc Malandruccolo and a 43-yarder from Jared Pineda, but the Warriors added two fourth-quarter field goals to close out the contest.

In his first game in a Setters uniform, Mauney finished 23-of-36 for 268 yards and three touchdowns, while Wilkins led the receiving corps with 58 yards and a score. Anthony Robinson contributed 110 yards from scrimmage, rushing for 58 and adding 52 through the air. Pace produced 394 yards of total offense, converted 11-of-17 third downs and controlled possession for 40:46.

Defensively, John Eubanks paced the Setters with eight tackles, while Sven Chuppa and Ali Seidou each recorded a sack.

Football returns to Northwell Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, hosting Monroe University in the inaugural Westchester Gridiron Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., with the match-up also serving as First Responders Appreciation Day.