SHELTON, Conn. — In a defensive battle, goaltender Frankie Sanchez held LIU to one goal in the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team, 1-0, loss on Friday.

The Pioneers dropped to 12-11-1 overall and 7-5-1 in the NEWHA, while the Sharks improved to 13-10-2 and 11-1-1.

Long Island snapped the scoreless stalemate with less than 10 minutes remaining in the second period for the lone goal of the night. The visitors had the chance to take advantage of the short-handed Pioneers, but the team was able to kill the powerplay before the goal two seconds later.

SHU was sent to the box three times, but the remaining home skaters were able to stand their ground against the Sharks' powerplay unit.

Frankie Sanchez denied 31 LIU shots in the cage as she ranks second in saves amongst NEWHA competitors with 537; two more than LIU's top goalkeeper.

The Red & White kept the game tight with 18 blocks behind the blueline. Standout defenders Nicole Guidi and Kennedy Spiering recorded four apiece. 

In step with the d-line, forwards Cassandra Nevers (3), Paige McNeil (2) and Kerryn O'Connell (2) dominated in blocked shots for career highs.

Sacred Heart heads to Long Island for a rematch at 2 p.m.