Storrs, Conn. –  The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team battled hard against the Quinnipiac Bobcats but ultimately came up short, falling 2–0 in Saturday night's Nutmeg Classic consolation matchup.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: (5-10-0, 4-7-0 NEWHA) 
Quinnipiac: (13-4-1), 4-3-1 ECAC)
 
Top Performers:
Maddie Smith: 5 blocked shots 
Olivia LaRoche: six blocked shots 
Ally Cohen: 4 shots | 3 blocked shots 
 
Goaltending:
Sacred Heart: Jillian Petruno: (L 5-6-0) 2 goals against | 56 saves 
Quinnipiac: Felicia Frank: 0 goals against | 22 saves
 
How it Happened:

• Just like last night, the Pioneers found themselves tested early after taking a boarding penalty five minutes into the game. Only five seconds into the Quinnipiac power play, the Bobcats capitalized to take a 1–0 lead. Although the Pios generated chances of their own, Quinnipiac controlled the puck for most of the period. Still, Petruno and the Pioneer defense held strong and kept the deficit to just one heading into the second period.
• Period two featured the Pioneers' best offensive push of the tournament. The Bowlby sisters and Alyssa Antonakis each generated quality looks, firing multiple shots on net, but the Pios still couldn't break through for the equalizer. Defensively, it was their strongest stretch of the weekend. Petruno faced limited pressure thanks to a standout effort in front of her, as the Pioneers blocked more than ten shots in the second period alone.
• In the third period, Sacred Heart continued to battle, relying on Petruno and the defense to keep them within striking distance. Quinnipiac outshot the Pioneers 22–6 in the period. Petruno turned aside nearly everything that came her way, allowing just one late goal that sealed the 2–0 final.

 
Of Note:

• Petruno's 56 saves was a career high
• The Pioneers blocked 27 shots 
• LaRoche and Smith combined for 11 blocked shots

 
Up Next: 
The Pioneers are back in action on Tuesday, December 2, as they will host Post University to jump back into New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) play for their annual kids' game. Puck drop is scheduled for 11:00 am.