Pace Women’s Lacrosse Team Honored for Winning 2023 National Championship

Pace hosts ceremony during halftime of its first home football game to celebrate Westchester's first NCAA championship

Pace University on Saturday honored its women’s lacrosse team for their momentous and historic season that ended with the team winning the 2023 Division II National Championship.

As part of the ceremonies, members of the team were recognized in front of an exuberant crowd at halftime of the Pace football game at Northwell Stadium in Pleasantville where the winning championship banner was unveiled.

Image

“It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized before so many people who have been supportive to us in our exciting national title run,” said Head Coach Tricia Molfetta, who is beginning her seventh season with the team. “This year has been marked by numerous unprecedented milestones for our program, and this conclusion feels like the perfect culmination of our extraordinary season. I am so grateful we were able to end our year in such a monumental way and I know the experience today will be one this team will share with their friends and families for the rest of their lives.”

In addition to Saturday’s festivities, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was illuminated in Pace blue and gold Saturday evening. Additionally, Westchester County memorialized the historic accomplishment by proclaiming September 12, 2023 as “Pace University’s Lacrosse Team National Champions Day.”

Image

Citations, letters, and proclamations from Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, County Executive George Latimer, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, County Legislator Margaret Cunzio, Town of Mount Pleasant, and the Village of Pleasantville were also presented to the team.

“The women’s lacrosse team consists of outstanding student athletes—a committed and talented group of young women who are as impressive in the classroom as they were on the playing field,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “The skills they learned in training rooms and on practice fields, and discipline they displayed on the field, will serve them well throughout their lives and their careers. They worked remarkably hard to become national champions, and we couldn't be prouder to honor them today.”

Image

In defeating previously unbeaten West Chester, 19-9, in May, the Setters made history by winning the school’s first-ever national title and becoming the first school in Westchester County to earn such honors. The 19 goals scored by the Setters were the most-ever scored in a DII Women's Lacrosse championship game, and they are the first NCAA collegiate team in Westchester County to win a National Championship.

The Setters, who finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 21-2 record, won a staggering 17 games against ranked opponents during the 2023 season, including a Golden Rams team that came into the National Championship game a perfect 22-0 on the year. In June, they joined college athletes from across the country representing all three NCAA divisions—national championship winners—that were recognized at the White House as part of the inaugural "College Athlete Day."

“These exceptional student-athletes exemplify the relentless drive and determination that characterizes the Pace spirit,” said Athletics Director Mark Brown. “The Pace community takes immense pride in their remarkable achievement, and commencing the school year by honoring them at Northwell Stadium is a wonderful way to start. The recognition bestowed upon the women's lacrosse team is well-deserved, as being the first school in Westchester County to secure a national championship is indeed a cause for celebration.”

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this remarkable experience with my entire team,” said Angelina Porcello, National Player of the Year, of Eastchester, N.Y. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my senior year has begun on such a monumental note.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Sands College of Performing Arts, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.