Fairfield, Conn – The Sacred Heart University women's hockey team is set to play a home-and-home series against the Assumption Greyhounds as they continue New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) conference play. Game one is set for 2:00 pm at the Martire Family Arena, and game two is set for 7:00 pm at the Worcester Ice Center in Worcester, Mass. 
 
Top Headlines

• Coming off a tough game against Post, the Pioneers still have an opportunity to salvage their week and close out the first half of the season on a high note. With a two-game series on deck against Assumption, Sacred Heart will look to take advantage of a matchup that's statistically as even as it gets. Both teams enter the weekend with identical goals per game and goals-against averages, and their shots per game differ by just a single shot.
•  The Pioneers have struggled in games where they fall behind early. When their opponents score first, Sacred Heart is just 3–10. However, when the Pios strike first, their record improves to 2–1. Although they haven't had many opportunities to play with an early lead, the results show that when they do, they're far more successful. Heading into this two-game series, the Pioneers will look to set the tone early and come out strong from the opening puck drop.
•  Senior captain Jillian Petruno recently earned another NEWHA Goaltender of the Week honor. She followed up her standout performance against Quinnipiac with another strong outing against Post. Despite allowing two goals, Petruno turned away 42 shots and was under constant pressure throughout the game, yet still managed to keep the Pioneers within striking distance. She will look to carry that momentum and energy into this weekend's series.

 
Last Time Out vs Assumption

• The Pioneers last met Assumption in a best-of-three quarterfinal series on Feb. 28 and March 1 of last season, a matchup that never made it past the first two games. Playing at Maritime Family Arena, Sacred Heart closed out the series in convincing fashion, sweeping the Greyhounds with wins of 1–0 and 6–2. 
• The opener was a tight defensive battle, decided just 68 seconds into the game when Brianna Morden struck early off assists from Olivia LaRoche and Isabella Chaput, three players who remain key contributors on the current roster. Despite being outshot 37–22, the Pioneers held firm to secure the shutout victory. 
• Game two told a different story, as the Pioneers' offense broke open the series. Anastasia Sloan set the tone in the first period, followed by a power-play tally from LaRoche and another from Sami Bowlby to build a 3–1 lead. Grayson Limke added insurance in the second and third-period goals from Paige McNeil (empty net), and Nicole Bessinger capped a commanding 6–2 win and the series sweep.

History vs Assumption

• Though Assumption's program is still young—beginning play in the 2023–24 season—the matchup has quickly become a familiar one for Sacred Heart. Since their first meeting on December 2, 2023, a 1–0 Pioneers victory, Sacred Heart has built a strong 7–3 advantage in the all-time series.
• Recent results have been even more decisive. The Pioneers had a perfect 6–0 record against the Greyhounds last season, and Assumption has not recorded a win in the matchup since February 10, 2024. At home, Sacred Heart has controlled the series with a 5–1 record, while going 2–2 on the road.

On Assumption

• Assumption enters the matchup looking to halt a four-game losing streak. Despite recent struggles, the Greyhounds hold a 7–10–1 overall record and a strong 7–4–1 mark in conference play. Offensively, they average 2.2 goals per game while generating an impressive 33.2 shots per contest.
• The offense is driven by the McGaffigan sisters, Kayla and Ava, both standout juniors. Kayla leads the team with seven goals and adds seven assists, earning NEWHA Player of the Week honors twice this season while firing a team-high 48 shots. Ava has been equally impactful, sitting second on the roster statistically with two goals and ten assists.
• On the blue line, Justina Valentini continues to anchor the defense. A two-time NEWHA Defender of the Week this season, she has recorded 18 blocks along with two goals and ten assists, making her one of the most complete defenders in the conference. First year Sasha Marino is also emerging as a key contributor, earning NEWHA Rookie of the Week honors this week. Defensively, Kaitlyn Cielo adds another steady presence with 31 blocked shots on the year.
• Junior goaltender Jadyn Weiser has been a steady force in net through 15 games this season. She's totaled 459 saves, posting an impressive .924 save percentage. Weiser holds a 6-8-1 record and has recorded two shutouts, consistently giving the Greyhounds a chance to compete in every game she starts.

 
Up Next 

• Following the series against Assumption, the Pioneers will head into a long break, with no games scheduled from December 7 until January 2. Their first matchup of 2026 will be a major test, as Minnesota, a top five team in the nation, travels to Martire Family Arena for a two-game series. Friday's puck drop is set for 5:00 PM on January 2, followed by a 1:00 PM start on Saturday, January 3.