Pleasantville, N.Y.- Pace Football won their third straight game last Saturday in a close contest vs Saint Anselm College.

Pace came in riding high off a blowout 50-7 win last Saturday Vs Franklin Pierce University. The half-century mark made a new season high for points. Saint Anselm also added to the win column with a 24-20 win over Post University.

Prior to the game, the late Danroy “D.J.” Henry was honored with his number retired and flew over Pace Stadium to plenty of applause.

The first quarter started great for Pace. Their first drive resulted in six points with graduate-year quarterback Carlton Aiken rushing for 43 yards and running back Brandon Sobotker getting into the end zone. With a little more than two minutes left, Pace found the end zone by way of airmail. Graduate Wide Receiver Ramir Tann-Davis hauled in a pass one-handed to increase the lead.

On defense, Pace forced a 3-and-out and a fumble that was recovered by Graduate linebacker Dustin Huseinovic. Then to open the second, special teams blocked a Saint Anselm Field goal which would prove to be huge down the stretch.

On the next possession, The Setters suffered a fumble of their own by Sobotker on their 30-yard line enabling the Hawks to easily get the board in 4 plays. Saint Anselm would keep momentum forcing a 3-and-out for Pace. Just before the end of the half, Saint Anselm’s defense forced Aiken to cough up the ball.

The third was a continuation of the gritty play from the second, although more sloppy. Saint Anselm’s opening drive was choked off by a delay of game penalty, setting them back 15 yards. Aiken would commit his second straight turnover, throwing an interception that would be returned 25 yards to Pace’s 27-yard line. The Hawks would not be able to get a first down and turned it over on downs. Finally, Pace would be able to score by way of Ben Franchino’s leg for 3 more points.

Saint Anselm started quarter 4 aggressively. They got multiple passing plays to connect. The Hawks benefited from a roughing the passer call on Pace that was met with boos. It helped the Hawks get their second touchdown of the day and pull within 3. Making the crowd nervous was another fumble by Pace, this time escaping the hands of graduate running back Casey Fernandez.

Pace’s defense stood tall forcing a 4 play drive for Saint Anselm and pushing them back 8 yards. Neither team would be able to even get in field goal range as sacks from both teams with The Hawks turning it over on downs and Pace punting.

Saint Anselm got the ball back at midfield with 11 seconds yet. A Hail Mary was launched and was caught on the Pace 11-yard line. Fortunately, Huseinovic was there for the tackle avoiding heartbreak.

Pace’s escape brought them to 4-2 in NE-10 play, keeping them in contention for the Championship Game. Their next game comes versus rival Bentley University once again at home on November 12. The Bentley Falcons are at 5-1 vs NE-10 opponents and previously beat Pace in Waltham, M.A.