STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Sacred Heart women's soccer team battled hard but could not overcome a first-half deficit, falling to Wagner College, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon. 
 
In the first half, the Pioneers looked to continue the offensive pressure they showed against Stonehill but could not solve the midfield of the Seahawks for a majority of the frame, laying one shot on net through 45 minutes. On the other end, Wagner sent three shots toward SHU goalkeeper Elyssa Kipperman but could not find the target until Olivia Rubbo's 34^th minute strike curled into the back of the net to open the scoring for the home side. Rubbo found space outside the SHU penalty area and sent a looping shot past Kipperman and into the top right corner to give Wagner a 1-0 lead that they would see into the half. 
 
The Pios continued the pressure into the second half including two chances in the final half hour but could not find the elusive finish to level the scoring as both chances went awry. With the defense holding strong, the Pioneers earned the game's only corner kick but could not capitalize on the set piece as the Seahawks held on in the final moments to ride out a 1-0 victory. 
 
Top Performers:

• Elyssa Kipperman: 2 saves
• Grace O'Hara: 2 shots, 1 shot on target

 
Of Note:

• Four Pioneers played the full match including first year Theanna Burnett who has played the full 90 minutes in six of the last seven matches. 

 
Up Next: 
The Pioneers return to action next weekend for their penultimate match against Saint Francis on Sunday, October 22. Kickoff from Stokes Soccerplex is slated for 1 p.m. More information will be available on sacredheartpioneers.com.