FAIRFIELD, Conn.— Returning to the court in 2023, the Sacred Heart University women's basketball team opened Northeast Conference play with a 63-53 victory against LIU on Friday.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 4-9, 1-0 NEC
LIU: 2-12, 0-2 NEC
 
Top Performers:
Sajada Bonner: 15 pts, 5 rebs, 3 asts, 2 blks
Ny'Ceara Pryor: 14 pts, 9 rebs, 3 asts, 7 stls
Carly Stroemel: 11 pts, 4 rebs
 
Of Note
Sacred Heart had a 49-39 lead going into the fourth quarter. LIU went on an 8-3 run to cut the score within five at the 5:21 mark.
 
First year Sierra Johnson drained a bucket from the paint, prompting the Pioneers to tally eight unanswered points to extend their lead over the Sharks, 60-47.
 
SHU's success was attributed to shooting 75 percent (15-20) from the free-throw line, including 14 of 18 in the second half. 
 
Graduate student Sajada Bonner scored in double-figures for the seventh time this season with 15 while notching a season-high three assists and two blocks. First Year Ny'Ceara Pryor had 14 points along with a season-high seven steals. Senior Carly Stroemel garnered her ninth double-digit scoring performance of her career with 11.
 
Up Next
The Pioneers travel to face new NEC opponent Stonehill on Sunday at 2 p.m.