Senior Day Game

For eight students, this game could be one of the last times they ever play a home game. And unfortunately for the upper classmen, the Setters could not deliver a pleasant parting gift.

The Pace Setters (5-8, 3-6) were defeated by the Merrimack College Warriors

15-10 this afternoon. Despite the Setters 4-2 home record, they could not deliver a win on Senior Day, even though junior Mike Ruppert and company desperately wanted to.

“It’s really hard to hold a big time celebration only for the team to lose,” Ruppert said. “We really wanted to send the seniors off with a win, and we just could not do it.”

Despite the final result, the Setters seniors made an impact in defeat. Midfielder Kevin Kadlick picked up a goal and defensemen Taylor Belviso and John Kolesar recorded assists.

Still, the final score was a bitter pill to swallow as the Setters seniors played their second to last home game. Midfielder Evan Feehan found the words to describe the loss hard to find.

“I know we still have one more home game, but this loss is a tough one,” Feehan said. “All of our families and friends were here to cheer us on and we just didn’t get the job done.”

The fact that the loss marked the Setters second defeat in a row was an afterthought for the coaches and players. Everyone on and off the field was focused on appreciating the upperclassmen.

Post game hugs were exchanged in the rain. And Setters coach Davy Carty made sure that his seniors felt appreciated after the game.

“These kids have been busting their tails and learning from the beginning,” Carty said. “I could not ask anything more from them, sure it would have been nice if we got the win, but I am still so proud of them regardless of what the score says.”

The Setters will get one more chance to give their seniors a win at home. Pace will play the Mercy College Mavericks (5-5. 4-4) tomorrow afternoon.