SHELTON, Conn. — Thanks to the game-winning shot by Kennedy Spiering in a dominant three-score second period, the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team defeated Post on the road, 5-1. The visitors snatched their first NEWHA victory against the undefeated Eagles on Friday.

The Pioneers improved to 1-2 in the conference and 3-5 overall, while Post dropped to 2-1 and 2-3. 

The home team ignited the scoring six minutes into the opening period, but first-year Katie Keenan drilled in her first career goal off a slick pass from Alexa Ocel.

Five minutes into the second, Kennedy Spiering successfully snuck her first shot past the Eagles' goalkeeper with help from Ocel and Anna Klein. The defender's goal was the deciding tally to push the Pioneers past Post.

SHU added two more from co-captains Kelly Solak and Klein for a two-goal cushion as the team headed into the third period.

Cassandra Nevers netted her first goal of the season for the final goal of the night off the of Elizabeth Jacobson.

Ocel leads the team with a six assists so far on the season, which is more than half the 10 she had as a first-year during the entire 2019-20 campaign.

The Red & White kept Post on its toes with 75 shots to the Eagles' 24. 

Veteran goaltender Frankie Sanchez had a quiet day with 18 saves in her second-lowest full-game stint in the box. A forfeited red line stifled the Eagles as the Pioneers defense added three blocks to keep the opposition scoring stagnant. 

Sacred Heart continues its two-day series at home against Post on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.