Pios Blank Hornets in Record-Setting Win

Sunday, September 17

Dover, Del. / Drass Field

2 p.m.

Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics

2-4-3, 1-0-0

Delaware State

0-7-0, 0-2-0

Sacred Heart

Delaware St.

Photo by: Michael DeCesare

Pios Blank Hornets in Record-Setting Win

9/17/2023 5:27:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Bovardi's brace headlines numerous SHU accolades

By: Cameron McClarren

Dover, Del. — Six different goal scorers combined for a record-setting win as the Sacred Heart University women's soccer team began its Northeast Conference campaign with an astounding 7-0 victory over Delaware State on Sunday afternoon.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first five minutes after Grace O'Hara connected on another highlight-reel goal, looping a sharp angle shot from outside the penalty area over DSU's Ashley Maribo and into the top corner. The strike was O'Hara's third goal of the match week and extends her point-streak to a career-long five games.

SHU doubled the lead 10 minutes later as Lindsay McShea scored for the second-consecutive match, capitalizing on the half-volley outside the penalty area that beat the glove of Maribo and into the top left corner of the goal for a 2-0 advantage.

The Red & White continued the onslaught as Morgan Bovardi recorded a brace in just 3:08 to give the Pios a 4-0 lead within 25 minutes. Bovardi's first goal was an act of individual brilliance, receiving a pass from Kelly Medeiros and beating her defender on the inside and slotting home a hard, low shot into the bottom corner. The Boxford, Mass., native doubled her account with a right-footed redirect off of an O'Hara pass within the six yard box that beat Maribo to the far post.

First year forward Shea Kelleher joined the scoring barrage in the 35^th minute, earning her first collegiate goal by beating a Hornet defender and sending a right footed shot into the top half of the goal. Senior Olivia Kells finished off the first half scoring scoring her first goal of the season with a low shot that beat Maribo with only 10 seconds left in the half as the Pioneers went into the break leading 6-0.

The Pios came out of halftime looking to finish the match on a strong note with an almost insurmountable lead. Within the first two minutes of the half, the Pioneers earned their record-setting seventh goal of the match as senior Madison Palma scored from the penalty spot for her first goal of the season. SHU continued to press through the rest of the match, amassing a 32-3 shot differential and a three-goalkeeper combined shutout to earn the 7-0 win.

Top Performers: *Full box score will be provided soon*

Morgan Bovardi (SHU): 2 goals, 2 shots
Grace O'Hara (SHU): 1 goal, 1 assist
Lindsay McShea (SHU): 1 goal
Olivia Kells (SHU): 1 goal, 5 shots
Shea Kelleher (SHU): 1 goal, 3 shots
Madison Palma (SHU): 1 goal, 3 shots
Nichol Green (SHU): 2 assists

Of Note:

SHU's seven goals ties the program record for single-game scoring in any result, matching the previous record of seven goals in what was a 7-0 victory over Saint Peter's (9/28/02).
SHU's six goals in the first half are the most goals scored in a half in program history.
SHU's six different goalscorers is the most recorded in a single match in program history.
Grace O'Hara's three points on Sunday extends her point-streak to a career-long five matches (5-2-12).
Bovardi's two goals marks the second time this season she has scored twice in a single game.
Four players made their season debut in Sunday's win including senior Kiara Calmet along with first year's Gabriella Baiada and Zoe Latina.
In total, 32 players made an appearance in Sunday's match for the Pioneers which is the highest number of participants for SHU in a match this season.

Up Next:
The Pioneers continue NEC play when they return home on Thursday, September 21, for a rematch of last season's NEC Championship match against FDU. Kickoff at Park Ave Field is slated for 7 p.m. For more information, visit sacredheartpioneers.com.