The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team opened Northeast Conference play with a 2-1 victory over host Merrimack College, Thursday afternoon. The win improves the Pioneers to 4-3-1 overall and 1-0 in the league, while the Warriors fall to 1-6 on the year and 0-1 in NEC action.

SHU tallied the first and final goals of the game, tallying one score in each period of play. Elyssa Kipperman made nine saves for the Pioneers in goal, to earn the win.

SHU returns to action on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. when it hosts Dartmouth on Park Avenue Field. The match is the final non-conference contest of the year.

The Scoring

• Anna Ludkiewicz tallied the game-winning goal with just 2:34 remaining in regulation, breaking a 1-1 tie
• The Pioneers struck first, at 22:51, with a goal by Emily Rosso, from a Francesca Peloro assist
• The Warriors tied the game early in the second-half with a Bridget Austin goal, on an assist from Hallie Shiers

By The Numbers

• Kipperman equaled a season-best with her nine saves, equaling her effort in a win over Temple
• SHU recorded a 21-10 advantage in shots for the game, but Merrimack posted a 10-8 advantage in shots on goal
• Neither side was whistled for an offsides infraction during the match
• Erin Fulton made six saves in goal for Merrimack
• The Pioneers are 1-0 in NEC play for the first time since 2016