Pace Women’s Lacrosse Team Honored at New York State Capitol

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and members of the Westchester State Delegation recently honored Pace University’s women’s lacrosse team at the New York State Capitol. The team was recognized for their extraordinary season that culminated with the 2023 Division II National Championship, which marked the first time a school from Westchester County won a national title.

The January 18 celebration at the Capitol preceded the upcoming NCAA Championship Ring Ceremony scheduled for January 19, adding to the festivities surrounding the team’s historic achievement.

“I am so honored to welcome the Pace Women’s Lacrosse team who are national champions in their sport,” Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said during remarks on the Senate floor. “Most of them are New Yorkers, most of them have never been to our beautiful capitol, and certainly all of them, were born after the Title IX enactment, which allowed for the government to acknowledge women’s ability to play sports, and to be funded the way that men’s teams were funded.

Throughout the day in Albany, Pace’s student athletes received warm greetings and accolades from members of the Westchester delegation, including Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Senator Peter Harckham, Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Senator Nathalia Fernandez.

“Today has been an unforgettable experience, it is such an incredible feeling being acknowledged for our hard work and achievements,” said Angelina Porcello, National Player of the Year, of Eastchester

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.

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.