Pettigrew Leads the Pioneers to MAAC Semifinals

Sunday, November 2

Fairfield, Conn.

12:00 pm

Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics

10-8-1, 7-5-0

Siena

9-5-6, 6-3-3

Siena

Sacred Heart

Photo by: Josh Gee

Pettigrew Leads the Pioneers to MAAC Semifinals

11/2/2025 3:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Pettigrew scores her first two career goals

By: Joe Verrillo

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team won an absolute thriller on Sunday afternoon, defeating Siena 2–1 behind first-year Riley Pettigrew's first two career goals at Park Avenue Field to advance to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship semifinals.

Top Performers:
Riley Pettigrew: 2 goals | 2 shots on goal
Shea Kelleher: 1 assist

Between the Pipes:
Sacred Heart: Kyran Thievon: (W 10-6-1) 1 goal against | 3 saves
Siena: Cate Burns: 2 goals against | 4 saves

How it Happened:

Siena struck quickly in the opening minute, taking a 1–0 lead just 25 seconds into the game. However, the Pioneers stayed calm and quickly settled in. They generated plenty of offensive opportunities and played great defense, controlling the pace of play for much of the half.
In the 26th minute, sophomore Riley Pettigrew made her presence felt, entering off the bench and immediately making an impact. Pettigrew capitalized, finding the back of the net for the first time in her career to tie the game.
The teams continued to battle throughout the second half, trading scoring chances. Kyran Thievon and the defensive front came up big plenty of times.
Then, in the 86^th minute, Pettigrew did it again. For the second time in the game, and just the second of her collegiate career, she scored. Junior, Shea Kelleher assisted.
With momentum in front of a raucous home crowd, the Pioneers' defense stood tall over the final four minutes to take home a 2-1 victory.

Of Note:

Pettigrew's first two career goals came in her first career playoff game
Kelleher tallies her fifth assist of the season
Fifth ten win season in program history
Fourth winning season in the last six years
Fourth semifinal appearance in the last six years
This game marked Sacred Heart's sixth straight playoff appearance

Up Next:
Sacred Heart is back in action on Thursday, November 6, as they travel across town to Fairfield University to take on the Stags in the semifinals at 6:00 pm. Stay tuned for ticket information