Sat., Feb. 21 proved to be a busy day for the women’s and men’s basketball teams as the Setters held their annual Senior Day and P4K event, hosting Adelphi University.

Money was raised with the selling of Pace P4K shirts in order to support the fight against breast cancer, and senior members of both teams, along with the dance team, were honored on the court in between the games.

The Setters fell to Adelphi University, however, with the women’s team claiming an OT victory with a score of 82-74, while the men’s team lost by a score of 89-68.

Despite the loss, it was a still an important day for the Setters. For senior guard Margo Hackett it is a very special event that the team enjoys participating in.

“So many people are affected by breast cancer, so to be able to support such a cause is really a great feeling,” said Hackett, an education major. “Everybody always looks forward to this day. We wear our pink merchandise throughout the game and it’s just a great way to help get the word out.”

Hackett was also honored during the senior day festivities that came in a rather timely matter, seeing as Hackett had just scored her 1,000-career point on Wed., Feb. 18 when the Setters played Southern Connecticut.

She acknowledges that it is a huge accomplishment, but refuses to take all the credit, noting that she could not have done it without her teammates throughout her four years at Pace.

“Freshman year was a good year for us, which was a great way to start my career here,” said Hackett, who netted a career high 29 points on Saturday. “Then my second year, I got to play with Britney Shields, which was awesome. Last year we didn’t have any seniors so we were somewhat in a building phase, and this year we’ve gotten better but we haven’t been as good as we’d like.
“This game Saturday is a huge opportunity to end the season on the right note, especially as we face the twelfth D2 team in the nation in Adelphi.”

Although the Setters fell short, Hackett believes there are many things to look forward to for the next season, where Hackett will serve as a graduate assistant coach.

Hackett sees great potential in particular with the new additions to the team this season.

Freshman Gabriella Rubin has proved to be a valuable asset on this team this season, with Hackett noting that Rubin has brought “tremendous energy” and tons of points on the court.

Geena Rosalbo brings excitement and has Hackett excited to see what she’ll do next.

Then there are Jordan Cunningham and Ava Heart, two players who Hackett says brought it “everyday, pushing everyone to do their best.”

“Their energy could not be matched,” Hackett said.

Transfer Jaclyn Oskam proved to be a tough match-up for opponents, according to Hackett, as she could “step out and shoot when she was being guarded.”

Finally, Christina Rubin is one player Hackett says really stepped up when needed, although she did suffer a setback with an injury.

With four more recruits expected to join the team, Hackett has high hopes for the team and expresses sentiments of excitement when thinking about what the 2015-2016 season will bring.