FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's lacrosse team opened up Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action on Saturday afternoon at Campus Field with a 13-9 victory over the Manhattan Jaspers. 

Jamie Tanner led the Pioneers for the second straight game and tied her season-high in points with five, including one goal and a career-high four assists. Shae Insinga recorded a hat trick for the third time this season, while Maggie Araneo contributed two goals to the offensive effort. Rookie Adisyn Bernhardt also had a standout offensive performance, recording a season-high three points behind one goal and two assists.

Making her first start in goal for the Pioneers, Margaret Morgan finished the game with nine saves, earning her first win of 2025. 

Records:
Sacred Heart (3-5, 1-0 MAAC)
Manhattan (1-8, 0-1 MAAC)

Top Performers:
Jamie Tanner – 5 points (1 goal, 4 assist), 1 caused turnover
Shae Insinga – 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist), 1 caused turnover
Erin Herrold – 4 draw controls, 1 caused turnover
Leah Durkin – 4 draw controls
Ellie Edwards – 2 caused turnovers, 1 point (1 goal), 1 draw control 

Between the Pipes:
Maraget Morgan (W, 1-0) – 9 saves | 9 goals-against | 2 ground balls

How It Happened:
Manhattan showcased its strength, taking the early lead with two quick goals from Juliana Mahan and Ashley Bonitch, giving the Jaspers a 2-0 advantage. Sacred Heart responded swiftly as Sadie Stevens scored first for the Pioneers at 11:37, following a well-executed pass from Bernhardt. Just 30 seconds later, Ellie Edwards scored the equalizer, 2-2, courtesy of a Tanner assist. 
 
The game took a dramatic turn when Aidan Carlson seized a woman-up opportunity at 8:07, scoring from a feed by Bella Calvanese, giving Sacred Heart a 3-2 lead as they headed into the second period.
 
The Pioneers extended their lead by overwhelming the Manhattans' defense over the next 15 minutes of play. Insinga kicked off the frame by netting her first of the day at the 12:10 mark, doubling SHU's lead, 4-2, before Calvanese added another at 5:46 off a pass from Araneo. Sacred Heart then took advantage of another woman-up opportunity as Araneo scored at 3:25 to push the lead to 6-2.

Though Manhattan's Lauren Maher managed to get one back at 1:50, Araneo struck again just before halftime, giving Sacred Heart a commanding 7-3 advantage at the break.
 
Sacred Heart's dominance continued into the third period. Insinga scored her second goal just over two minutes in, widening the gap to 8-3, followed by an unassisted tally from Bernhardt at 11:54 to make it 9-3 Sacred Heart. Though Julia Kerr responded for Manhattan shortly after, the Pioneers stayed in control as Insinga completed her hat trick at 6:57, and Lively added another unassisted goal two minutes later to make it 11-4.
 
Manhattan attempted a late rally in the fourth quarter, starting with back-to-back goals from Emily Derrico and Emily Fiola cut the deficit to within five, 11-6. However, Tanner responded with a crucial goal for Sacred Heart at 10:27, keeping the Jaspers at bay.
 
Despite late goals from the Jaspers, Sacred Heart's defense stood firm, and Claire Ferguson sealed the victory with a goal at 3:46, set up by Tanner, marking the climax of the game.

Up Next:
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, March 20 with a short trip up I-91 to face off against Quinnipiac University. The first draw control is set for 12:00PM.