Fairfield, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team opens New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) conference play this weekend, hosting Franklin Pierce for a two-game series on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Martire Family Arena.
 
The Start of Conference Play

• This series marks the NEWHA conference opener for both Sacred Heart and Franklin Pierce. As many know, the Pioneers had great success last season in the NEWHA, winning the conference championship. 

 
Last time out vs Franklin Pierce

• Sacred Heart and Franklin Pierce last met in mid-February during the final stretch of the 2024–25 regular season. The Pioneers traveled to Rindge, N.H., for a two-game road series against the Ravens.
• In the opening game, Franklin Pierce scored twice on the power play to jump out to an early 2–0 lead in the second period. Despite late efforts from Isabella Chaput and Ella Holm, who both found the back of the net, Sacred Heart ultimately fell short in a 4–2 loss.
• Game two went the Ravens' way once again, as they completed the series sweep. Franklin Pierce scored two second-period goals on its way to a 2-0 victory.

 
History vs Franklin Pierce

• This weekend will mark the 52nd and 53rd times Sacred Heart and Franklin Pierce have faced off. The all-time series record currently stands at 23-23-5. Sacred Heart's home record vs Franklin Pierce currently sits at 15-6-3.

 
On Franklin Pierce

• After dropping both games to Union College to open the season, Franklin Pierce enters this weekend's series with a 0-2-0 record.
• The Ravens struggled to find momentum against Union, falling 3-0 and 2-0 in the two-game set. Across both contests, they were outplayed in several key areas, being outshot, 79–37, and losing the faceoff battle, 65–36.
• One bright spot for Franklin Pierce was senior goaltender Jill Hertl, who stood tall despite the losses. Hertl faced 79 total shots, stopping 74 of them for an impressive .949 save percentage. Her performance kept the Ravens competitive and will make her a key player to watch this weekend.
• Another standout for the Ravens was sophomore forward Caleigh Murphy, who recorded nine shots across the two games. As a first-year player last season, Murphy appeared in 20 games, registering 10 points and 64 shots. She looks poised to continue generating offensive opportunities as one of Franklin Pierce's most active shooters.
• The Ravens have yet to play at home, and they will continue to play on the road until their home opener on October 31st.