RELEASE FROM PACE ATHLETICS
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On a beautiful Sunday morning in front of a lively home crowd, Pace University softball delivered a complete performance to keep its postseason run alive. The nationally-ranked and number one-seeded Setters defeated the fourth-seeded Falcons of Bentley University, 2-0.
The Blue and Gold's victory captures the NCAA East One Regional title as the squad now advances to the NCAA Division II Super Regional for the first time in program history. Another win in the books, improves the team's overall record to a stellar 44-10 as they continue to reach new heights each passing game.
Here's What Happened
- After a scoreless first two innings, Pace broke through in the bottom of the third. With two outs, shortstop Kaylee Matsuda singled up the middle, setting the stage for graduate first baseman Riley Jenkins. Jenkins delivered with a double to right field, driving in Matsuda for a 1-0 lead.
- Bentley threatened in the top of the fifth after a leadoff walk, but Garcia struck out two batters and induced a groundout to escape unscathed. In the home half of the inning, Pace added insurance. Katerina Luna singled to left and gave way to pinch-runner Madison Picerno, who advanced on a walk and a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. Jenkins came through once again, singling to rightfield to bring home Picerno and extend the lead to 2-0.
- Garcia continued her dominance down the stretch, retiring the final six batters she faced—including two more strikeouts—to seal the victory. The senior finished with 10 strikeouts, allowing just three hits and no walks over seven innings to improve to 27-3 on the season.
Box Score Insights
- Jenkins led the Setters at the plate, going 3-for-3 with both RBIs.
- Sophie Valle recorded her 100th career hit going 1-for-3 on the day, and as a team, the Setters posted six hits compared to Bentley's three.
- Pace played flawless defense behind their ace as Garcia notched her 27th win of the season, which ties a single-season program record.
Up Next (Wilmington University of Delaware, NCAA Super Regional)
Pace advances to the NCAA Super Regional round for the first time in program history as they continue their postseason pursuit of a national championship. This coming week, the Setters will face the winner of the East Regional two Tournament, Wilmington University of Delaware, with start times still to be determined.
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