Pioneers Shutout the Purple Knights 7-0

Saturday, October 2

Shelton, Conn.

5:30 PM

Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics

1-2-0

Saint Michael's College

0-1-0

Saint Michael's

Sacred Heart

Pioneers Shutout the Purple Knights 7-0

10/2/2021 8:30:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey

Box Score

First-years Kerryn O’Connell and Nicole Bessinger tallied their first career goals

SHELTON, Conn. — Paige McNeil ignited the scoring for the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team in the dominant, 7-0, victory on Saturday. Saint Michael's defense couldn't stop the onslaught of goals to lead the Pioneers to their first NEWHA win this season.

SHU improved to 1-2, while SMC dropped to 0-1 on the season.

The sky rained pucks through all three periods with Kerryn O'Connell and Nicole Bessinger slapping in their first as a Pio. McNeil's first goal in the first period, assisted by Anna Klein and Kennedy Spiering, put the nail in the coffin for the Purple Knights as they couldn't catch up.

One minute later, Sophie Lupone connected with the net with help from Cassandra Nevers, followed by a goal from co-captain, Kelly Solak with the assist from Lupone to put the Red & White up, 3-0.

With the assist from Cannady Taleghani and Erin Fleming, O'Connell drilled one in two minutes into the second period. Newcomer Nicole Bessinger followed suit with a bullet set up by Charlotte Huntington.

On a power play halfway through the second, the Pioneers capitalized thanks to Alexa Ocel, with assists from Anna Klein and Paige McNeil.

Five minutes into the final period, co-captain Anna Klein tapped the puck in with help from Nicole Guidi and Taleghani to take advantage of a power play opportunity for the final goal of the night.

SHU led the offense by outshooting the visitors 41-20 and winning 30-58 faceoffs.

For her first time between the poles, Carly Greene secured her first win with 20 saves for a perfect save percentage.

Sacred Heart is on the road to face in-state conference opponent Post at 4 p.m. on October 8.