By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to the Pace University Women’s Lacrosse team for winning the 2023 NCAA National Championship with a resounding 19-9 Victory in the final, defeating No. 1 ranked West Chester University (from PA) 19-9 on May 21 in Indianapolis to win the first title in program history.
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.
As a result of winning the D2 National Title, the Setters were invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to the White House on June 12. The Setters were among many from the NCAA men’s and women’s national championship teams from across the country being recognized on the South Lawn of the White House as part of “College Athlete Day.”
“We were incredibly honored to receive the invitation to the White House to commemorate our NCAA Championship team,” said Head Coach Tricia Molfetta, who is in her sixth year with the team. “This has been a year of so many firsts for our program and this feels like the most fitting ending to our once-in-a-lifetime season. When I first told the team they were invited, they were beyond excited and filled with emotion. This opportunity means so much to us and our Pace family.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the national champions of our women’s lacrosse team,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “These outstanding student athletes embody the Pace go-getter spirit. We are excited for this historic accomplishment, and honored to celebrate it with President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and student athletes from across the nation. This is a fitting recognition – one they will no doubt remember for a lifetime.”
At The White House on June 12, Vice-President Kamala Harris said, “You made tremendous sacrifices—training through injuries, birthdays, vacations, and even a pandemic,” Vice President Kamala Harris told the crowd. “You know, all of you, what it means to commit and to persevere. And we know that so often, during the course of a long season, sports teams also become a family. You develop life-long relationships. You demonstrate teamwork and character. You make the people around you better in every way. You are leaders. You are role models. And, of course, you are champions.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “This is phenomenal, really a great accomplishment. We want to extend our recognition from Westchester County Government.”
