FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The formula for success for the Sacred Heart women's hockey team didn't change in its first playoff game. The Pioneers used a timely goal, lock down defense and outstanding goaltending to knock off Assumption 1-0 in Game 1 of the best-of-three NEWHA quarterfinal series at Martire Family Arena.
Carly Greene stopped all 37 shots she faced, and
Brianna Morden scored the only goal early in the first period.
The Pioneers can close out the series with a victory on Saturday.
RECORDS
Assumption: 10-22-3 (10-16-2 NEWHA
Sacred Heart: 18-14-3 (16-9-3 NEWHA)
SHU SCORING
Brianna Morden (1 goal)
Olivia LaRoche (1 assist)
Isabella Chaput (1 assist)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Pioneers started strong and found themselves on the power play less than a minute into the game. They had a goal nullified because of a player in the crease early in the power play but quickly struck again.
Olivia LaRoche fired a slap shot from the point off the post. The rebound came to Morden, who went high to beat Assumption goalie Jadyn Weiser at 1:08.
• The Greyhounds had three power plays in the second period, but Sacred Heart's penalty kill was terrific.
• Greene was at her best in the third period when she made 14 saves.
NOTES:
• Assumption finished with a 37-22 edge in shots on goal.
• The Pioneers killed off all four Assumption power plays.
• Morden's goal was SHU's first on the power play since Jan. 31, a 2-1 victory over Assumption.
• Greene improved her season save percentage to .958, which leads the nation. The shutout was her fifth of the season.
• The shutout was Sacred Heart's 10th of the season.
WHAT'S NEXT
Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Martire. A third and deciding game, if necessary, would be Sunday at 2 p.m., also at Martire.
