MANCHESTER, N.H. – Junior Michael Guarnieri knocked down a 31-yard field goal with nine seconds left in regulation to put the Saint Anselm College football team past Pace University, 31-29, in a Northeast 10 (NE10) clash Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium.

With the win, the Hawks improve to 1-1 in NE10 play with the Setters falling to 0-2 against conference opponents. The contest marked the 29th meeting between the two programs as the Hawks secured the season series sweep and improved to 18-11 all-time series against the Setters. The Hawks opened the season with a 34-10 victory over Pace in non-conference play back on Aug. 30.

Highlights

• Junior quarterback Drew Forkner produced for 358 passing yards with one touchdown.
• Senior quarterback Ronan Noke recorded two rushing touchdowns, the first scores on the ground of his collegiate career.
• Freshman wide receiver Domingo Meade recorded four receptions for 122 total yards with a long of 52 yards.
• Junior wide receiver Kyle Verriest registered his first collegiate touchdown.
• Senior defensive back Hugo Silsby recorded his first interception of the 2025 campaign, which included a 38-yard return, while also notching seven tackles.
• Junior defensive back Jon Hosney led the Hawks with nine tackles, including eight solo takedowns.
• Senior defensive back Mike Weaver, Jr. recorded an interception to go along with five tackles.
• Senior linebacker Aidan Noke and fifth year defensive back Thomas Hoffman each posted five tackles.
• Senior punter Thomas Murray recorded six punts for 242 yards with a long of 50.
• Junior kicker Michael Guarnieri went 2-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a game-winning kick from 31 yards out.
• Saint Anselm outgained Pace, 500-418, with 358 passing yards and 142 rushing yards to the Hawks' credit.
• The Hawks went a perfect 2-for-2 on fourth down tries.

How it Happened

Senior Ronan Noke called his own number from four yards out, rushing in for the game's first touchdown just 2:42 into the contest. The Hawks added another score when sophomore running back Jake Croce broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown run at the 8:26 mark of the first quarter, putting Hawks up 13-0 due to a failed extra point attempt.

Saint Anselm would lead 16-0 following a 20-yard field goal off the foot of junior Michael Guarnieri with 7:36 to play in the first half. Pace responded with a touchdown as Ethan Coady hooked up with Elizjah Lewis for a 35 yard passing touchdown, but failed to convert on a two-point try, making it a 16-6 game. Pace was threatening to score again after forcing a Saint Anselm three-and-out before the halftime break, but senior Mike Weaver, Jr. recorded his first interception of the season to stop the Setters momentum.

Noke would rumble in for his second score of the contest on a two-yard rushing touchdown 9:28 into the second half, making it 22-6 in favor of the hosts. Saint Anselm would miss the ensuing point after attempt.

Pace's Marc Malandruccolo made a 33-yard field goal with 1:44 to play in the third to cut the Setters' deficit to 13 points before a three-yard touchdown pass to Jhamier Howardand a PAT made it 22-16. The Setters got into the endzone again with 6:52 to play, taking their first lead of the contest on an Anthony Robinson rushing score, making it 23-22 in favor of the guests.

Saint Anselm's offense responded just over three minutes later as junior quarterback Drew Forkner connected with classmate Kyle Verriest who hauled in his first collegiate touchdown to put the Hawks back in front, 28-23.

Lewis would score his second of the game for Pace to take the lead back with 1:40 remaining in regulation, 29-28. Forkner led the Hawks on a 10-play, 75-yard drive over the span of 1:14 which included a 36-yard hookup with freshman Domingo Meade to put the Hawks in field goal range. Guarnieri blasted the eventual game-winning kick through the uprights with just seconds left on the scoreboard to put Saint Anselm back on top, 31-29.

Pace was unable to convert on their final chance on offense, allowing the Hawks to secure their second victory of the campaign.

Up Next

The Hawks (2-2, 1-1 NE10) will travel to face Post University (3-0, 1-0 NE10) on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Municipal Stadium.