WORCESTER, Mass. — In a midweek netminder dual,
Jillian Petruno's 25 save-performance kept the Pios in close range, but an early third-period goal saw the Sacred Heart women's ice hockey team drop its second contest of the new year, falling to Assumption Tuesday night, 1-0.
The Pioneers continued where they left off over the weekend, pounding on their opposition early in the period as SHU generated a plethora of chances but couldn't convert en route to a 10-5 shot advantage halfway through the frame. In the waning stages of what was a high-octane first period, the hosts found their footing, closing the shot total mark as both netminders pitched first-period shutouts.
Following their offensive zone pressure in the first period, the Pios generated the first power play of the game just under five minutes into the middle period as Assumption's Alexi Kirkeby was sent to the box. Though SHU generated four prime opportunities, ASM's Carissa Mudrak held strong as the Pios failed to convert on their first personnel-advantage of the night.
Later in the frame, the Pioneers found themselves back on the power play but once again could not convert, ultimately evening things up as
Olivia LaRoche was sent to the box, giving Assumption just under 90 seconds of power-play time after the ensuing four-on-four segment of play. However, the impressive SHU penalty kill remained unscathed as both teams battled through the end of the period to a scoreless draw after 40 minutes of action.
After holding off the Red & White for a majority of the match, the Greyhounds gained an opportunity in the first minute of the period as Jenna Chaplain opened the scoring, sending a wrist shot in the low slot past Petruno and into the back of the net to give Assumption a 1-0 lead.
Following the goal, the Pios continued to pressure the Greyhounds, searching for the elusive tying goal. Though the Pios funneled a total of 12 shots toward Mudrak, the Greyhound goaltender stood strong as SHU could not generate the tying goal, eventually falling 1-0.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- Sacred Heart went two-for-two on the penalty kill marking the fifth time in the last six games that the Pios have failed to allow a power-play goal.
- Sophomore netminder Jillian Petruno has made 25 or more saves in each of her last seven starts.
Up Next:
The Pioneers return to the friendly confines of Martire Family Arena this weekend, hosting Saint Anselm for a two-game set on Friday, January 12 and Saturday, January 13. Puck drop on Friday is slated for 7 p.m. while Saturday's Alumni Game is scheduled for 2 p.m. More information can be found at sacredheartpioneers.com.
