Fairfield, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team battled, narrowly falling to Post, 2-1, as the Pioneers returned to New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) conference play.
Records:
Sacred Heart: (5-11-0, 4-8-0 NEWHA)
Post: (6-11-1), 6-5-1 NEWHA)
Top Performers:
Ally Cohen: 1 goal | 3 shots
Reese Pascucci: 1 assist
Sami Bowlby: 1 assist | 5 shots
Goaltending:
Sacred Heart:
Jillian Petruno: (L 5-7-0) 2 goals against | 42 saves
Post: Hannah Saunders: 1 goal against | 31 saves
How it Happened:
- Both teams came out fast in the first period, trading early scoring chances. The Eagles struck first, breaking the scoreless tie ten minutes in. The Pioneers, once again with their backs against the wall, responded quickly, just two minutes later, when Cohen buried a shot off a feed from Pascucci and Sami Bowlby. In the final minutes of the period, the Eagles generated several strong opportunities, but Petruno and the Pioneer defense stood tall, sending the game into the first intermission tied 1–1.
- The Eagles wasted no time in the second period, scoring just 15 seconds in after winning the opening faceoff. The rest of the frame turned into a physical battle, with the Pioneers committing five penalties that forced them to spend much of the period on the kill. Despite the constant pressure, Petruno remained locked in, turning away every chance to prevent the deficit from growing. The Pioneers headed into the third period trailing 2–1.
- Entering the third period, the Pioneers pushed the pace as they fought for the equalizer. They generated several strong chances, including opportunities on back-to-back power plays after two Post penalties. In the final two minutes, the Pios fired five shots on goal, but despite the late surge, they were unable to break through and find the back of the net.
Of Note:
- Cohen scored her third goal of the season
- Pascucci tallied her second assist of the season
- Sami Bowlby tallied her fourth assist of the season
- There was 12 penalties in total
Up Next:
The Pioneers are back in action this weekend as they face Assumption in a home-and-home series. Game one is set for Friday, December 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Martire Family Arena. For game two, the Pioneers will hit the road, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m.