Buffalo, N.Y. –  The fourth-seeded Sacred Heart University women's soccer team defeated the third-seeded Canisius Golden Griffins in a dramatic, snow-filled contest to capture the program's first-ever Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship on Sunday afternoon. SHU and Canisius were deadlocked at 0-0 through regulation and two overtimes before the Pioneers lifted the trophy with a 4-3 win in penalty kicks. 

Junior goalkeeper Kyran Thievon stood tall in the cage for the Pioneers, making three saves in the game and three saves in the penalty shootout to lead SHU to victory. After three outstanding starts in the postseason, Thievon was named the MAAC Tournament MVP. Morgan Bovardi, Shea Kelleher and Riley Pettigrew joined Thievon on the All-MAAC Tournament Team. 
 
Top Performers:
Emily Hood: Penalty Shootout goal
Martyna Krzysztopik: Penalty Shootout goal
Morgan Bovardi: Penalty Shootout goal
Theanna Burnett: Penalty Shootout goal
 
Between the Pipes:
Sacred Heart: Kyran Thievon: (W, 11-6-2) 0 goals against | 3 saves | game-winning penalty shootout save
Canisius: Chloe Tseros: 0 goals against | 3 saves
 
How it Happened:

• The opening half was filled with cold rain and heavy winds, making ball control a challenge. Despite the conditions, Sacred Heart's back line, anchored by Theanna Burnett and Quinn Pollack, stood tall, keeping the Golden Griffins off the scoreboard. Thievon made three crucial saves in the first half to preserve the clean sheet.
• As the second half began, the rain quickly turned into heavy snow, blanketing the field until the midfield logo was barely visible. With the conditions worsening by the minute, offensive opportunities became scarce. Both teams battled through the elements, but between the snowfall and strong defensive stands on both ends, the match was destined to go to overtime. 
• The snow continued to be a problem throughout both overtime periods. Thievon continued her dominant play in net, organizing the defense while handling slippery crosses and long shots. Emily Hood and MacLaren Richards each fired attempts toward the goal, forcing Canisius' keeper to stay alert.
• Towards the end of the second overtime, each team had chances on corner kicks, but neither were able to break through. The MAAC Championship needed penalty kicks to determine a winner.
• The Pioneers wasted no time getting started. Hood buried the opening kick to get Sacred Heart on the board. After Canisius tied it up the following rounds brought high drama.
• Two consecutive saves by the Golden Griffins ramped up the pressure on SHU, but Thievon came up massive, with two season-saving saves. 
• When the tension was at its highest, Krzysztopik, Bovardi, and Burnett all buried their shots with confidence.
• Then it came down to Thievon. As the Canisius shooter stepped up, Thievon lunged to her right and got it. The ball deflected away, and pure joy erupted as Sacred Heart stormed the field, celebrating their first-ever MAAC Championship. 

 
All-MAAC Tournament Team (Tournament Stats):
Morgan Bovardi: 1 goal | 1 assist | 1 penalty kick goal | 7 shots
Shea Kelleher: 2 assists | 5 shots
Riley Pettigrew: 2 goals
 
MAAC Tournament MVP (Tournament Stats):
Kyran Thievon: 1 goal against | 13 saves | game-winning penalty kick save
 
Of Note:

• Today's title marks Sacred Heart University's first MAAC championship as a full-time member of the conference
• Canisius had nine shots compared to Sacred Heart's six
• Sacred Heart had eight corners compared to Canisius' five