PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Trailing 5-1 after the first quarter, the fourth-ranked East Stroudsburg University lacrosse team fought back to tie the game at 5-5 in the second half, but ultimately fell, 9-5, to top-ranked and defending national champion Pace on Saturday afternoon at Northwell Stadium.
The Warriors (5-1, 1-0 PSAC East) suffer their first loss of the season in its nonc-conference finale. The Setters (7-0, 2-0 NE10) remain unbeaten and extend their winning streak to 11 dating back to 2023.
ESU Notables
- GK Abby Simonetti (4-1) kept ESU in the contest with a tremendous performance, making a season-high 18 saves, while allowing nine goals. Simonetti scooped three ground balls to lead the team. Her 18 saves this season are the most by a PSAC goalkeeper this season.
- In six games this season, Simonetti has posted an impressive 6.68 goals-against average and a .670 save percentage. She leads the conference in both categories and ranks third in saves per game (10.17). Her 18 saves are the most by a Warrior since IWLCA All-America selection Riley DiFiore made 18 saves against West Chester in the NCAA DII Atlantic Region Championship game.
- The Warriors were led offensively by Courtney Reynolds, who recorded a pair of goals.
- Emily Mitarotonda, Sophia Graffeo and Campbell Heller all found the back of the cage. Lauren Hallman distributed an assist.
- Mitarotonda was a force defensively once again, causing four turnovers. She also cooped a draw control and a ground ball.
- ESU held advantages in saves (18-9) and only failed a clear attempt on two possessions (25-27).
Pace Notables
- The Setters were led by reigning IWLCA Player of the Year Angelina Porcello, who recorded four goals, caused three turnovers and earned seven draw controls. Mackenzie Carita and Maddie Schubert each scored a pair of goals.
- GK Samantha Tanguay made nine saves to pick up the win.
- The Setters led in shots (32-17), ground balls (23-15) and draw controls (11-6).
How It Happened
- Porcello (3) and Schubert combined for four goals in the first nine minutes of the game, with Schubert's' tally coming a woman up.
- Heller opened the scoring for ESU with 2:47 remaining in the opening quarter, but Porcello picked up her fourth and final goal with 54 seconds left in the frame.
- The Warriors stole momentum in the second quarter, refusing to allow a goal in the 15 minute period. Reynolds, Graffeo and Mitarotonda each added goals, with Mitarotonda's coming down a player.
- After trailing 4-0, ESU tied the contest t 5-5 with 13:13 left in the third quarter with Reynolds finding the twine for the second time.
- The Setters closed the game on a 4-0 run to take the battle of undefeated top-five teams, 9-5.
Up Next
- After facing the defending national champion Setters on Saturday, ESU prepares to battle No. 2 West Chester on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Whitenight Field.
