PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - - Playing its third straight nationally ranked opponent and first road game of the year, the Wilmington University men's lacrosse team dropped a 15-4 decision to No. 11 Pace on Friday afternoon at Pace Stadium.
The Wildcats' (1-3) offense came into the game averaging 16 goals per game, but was slowed down by the Pace (3-0) defense on Friday.
The Setters scored the first three goals of the game before Jimmy Cava put the Wildcats on the board with a goal with 6:16 remaining. But the Setters rallied again and scored the final two goals of the first quarter to lead 5-1 after the first 15 minutes
The run continued into the second quarter, as Pace started the frame with the first two goals to take a 7-1 lead. Jake Copio scored to break the 4-0 run to get to within 7-2 with 5:53 to play, but the Setters scored the final goal of the half to lead 8-2 at the break.
TJ Caton scored the first goal of the third quarter to start the Wildcats off on the right foot, but the Setters responded nine seconds later, and then went on to score four more goals to take a 13-3 lead into the fourth quarter.
Two more goals came for Pace before Logan Stinson got on the board with the final goal of the game, settling the score at 15-4.
Logan Stinson had a goal and an assist on the day while Cava, Copio, and Caton added the other goals. Jacob Herman had the only other assist for the Wildcats.
Jaeden Henson led the defense with four caused turnovers while Jacob Herman added two as well. Henson also led the team with three ground balls on the day. Jason Roland made 14 saves before Noah Given came on and made two stops in relief.
Pace was led by Preseason All-American Kyle Casey's six goals and three assists. Tim Cairo scored five goals and added an assist as well for the Setters.
The Wildcats return home for their next contest as they welcome St. Michael's to the WU Athletics Complex on Wednesday afternoon. The opening face-off is set for 3:00 p.m.