NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Sacred Heart University field hockey team closed out its home slate in convincing fashion on Friday afternoon, defeating Mercyhurst, 2–0, at Johnson Field. The Pioneers controlled the pace from start to finish, outshooting the Lakers 37–4 and owning a decisive 21–6 advantage in penalty corners.

Records:
Sacred Heart (6-10, 4-4 NEC)
Mercyhurst (0-14, 0-8 NEC)

Stat Leaders:
Lizzie Mendrzycki: 1 goal
Hailey Vogt: 1 goal
Holly DeAngelo: 1 assist
Amelia Pellegrini: 1 assist
Ruby Butler: 3 saves
 
How it Happened:
After a scoreless opening quarter, Sacred Heart broke through midway through the second frame. Following a flurry of corners, senior Holly DeAngelo delivered a clean insert to Lizzie Mendrzycki, who buried a low shot into the back of the cage at the 26:01 mark to give the Pioneers a 1–0 lead.

Sacred Heart continued to apply heavy pressure throughout the third quarter, generating 11 shots in the period but coming up just short of extending the advantage. 

The Pioneers finally added insurance in the fourth, when Amelia Pellegrini sent a pinpoint pass to Hailey Vogt, who shot the ball past the Mercyhurst keeper at 51:51.

On the defensive end, Sacred Heart limited the Lakers to just three shots on goal—all of which came in the final quarter. 

Goalkeeper Ruby Butler stood tall when called upon, stopping each attempt to record her first shutout of the season and of her young collegiate career.

Up Next:
The Pioneers return to action on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a road showdown against Columbia at 12:00 PM in New York, N.Y.