Troy, N.Y. — The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a win on Friday night, defeating Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) on the road to secure its first victory of the season.
Records:
Sacred Heart (1-0-0)
RPI (0-5-0)
Top Performers:
Goaltending:
- Sacred Heart: Jillian Petruno — 1 GA | 45 saves | .978 SV%
- RPI: Reese Keating — 2 GA | 12 saves | .857 SV%
How It Happened
RPI came out firing in the opening period, outshooting Sacred Heart 23–5 and striking first at the 16-minute mark to take a 1–0 lead. Pioneer goaltender Jillian Petruno was sharp early, turning aside 16 shots in the frame to keep her team within striking distance.
Momentum swung the Pioneers' way in the second period. Just minutes in, Addie Bowlby buried Sacred Heart's first goal of the season off a clean faceoff win from Alyssa Antonakis to tie the game at one. Later in the frame, SHU's penalty kill stood tall, fending off an RPI power play to preserve the tie. Petruno continued to anchor the defense, stopping 33 shots through two periods.
Sacred Heart took control in the third. Bria Holm put the Pioneers ahead midway through the period with a goal assisted by her sister, Ella Holm. With just 13 seconds remaining, Shae Carroll netted her first career goal to seal the 3–1 victory.
Petruno finished with 45 saves, the second-highest total of her career, to backstop the Pioneers to the season-opening win.
Of Note
Carroll scored her first career goal.
Sacred Heart 78–31.outshot RPI
SHU killed both RPI power plays.
RPI won the faceoff battle, 34–22.
The Pioneers blocked 16 shots.
Up Next
Sacred Heart returns home to conclude the two-game series against RPI on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. inside Martire Family Arena for the home opener.
