FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Another strong defensive effort earned the Sacred Heart women's hockey team an important three points in the NEWHA standings. The Pioneers limited Post to 16 shots on goal in a 2-1 victory over the Eagles at Martire Family Arena.
Isabella Chaput's goal early in the second period snapped a 1-1 tie, and from there SHU's defense took over.
Sami Bowlby also scored, and
Carly Greene stopped 15 of the 16 shots she faced to earn the victory in goal.
It was the final regular season home game for the Pioneers but not the last time they will play at Martire. Sacred Heart hosts a best-of-three quarterfinal series next weekend. The opponent is still to be determined.
LIU clinched the No. 1 seed in the NEWHA Tournament with its victory on Friday, but the Pioneers can earn the No. 2 seed by earning at least one point in tomorrow's regular season finale at Post.
RECORDS
Post: 10-20-3 (10-14-3 NEWHA
Sacred Heart: 17-13-3 (16-8-3 NEWHA)
SHU SCORING
Sami Bowlby (1 goal)
Isabella Chaput (1 goal)
Savannah Popick (1 assist)
Ella Holm (1 assist)
Grayson Limke (1 assist)
Kate Helgeson (1 assist)
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Pioneers jumped in front just 1:19 into the game when Bowlby banged home a nifty feed from
Kate Helgeson. Post, though, tied it less than three minutes later. Noa Farberman intercepted a pass at the blue line, broke in alone and scored at 3:35.
• It stayed tied until late in the second period.
Savannah Popick's centering pass was deflected by
Ella Holm to Chaput, who fired it into an empty net at 14:42.
• SHU was outstanding protecting the lead, limiting Post to just two shots in the second period and five in the third. The Pioneers kept possession in Post's zone for nearly the entire final five minutes, and the Eagles were never able to pull their goalie for an extra attacker.
NOTES
• Sacred Heart outshot Post 20-2 in the second period.
• The Pioneers successfully killed off both Post power plays.
• Chaput's goal was her team-leading 13th of the season.
• The Pioneers' 17 overall victories are the most since the 2019-20 team won 21 games.
WHAT'S NEXT
The same two teams wrap up the regular season tomorrow at the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton. The opening faceoff is set for 1:15 p.m.
SHU BEST OF THREE QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
Fri., Feb. 28 – TBD at Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 1 – TBD at Sacred Heart, 2 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 2 (if necessary) - TBD at Sacred Heart, 2 p.m.
