FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse team had its eight-game win streak snapped by the #2 seed, Siena College, 12-8, in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship game on Saturday afternoon at Campus Field. Will Moulton and Jake Ward both had three points coming from two goals and one assist each as SHU lost its first home game since February 4, 2024. 

The top-seeded Pioneers were making their second straight appearance in the MAAC championship game after a stellar 7-1 conference record, claiming a share of the regular season title. 

Records:
Sacred Heart: 12-3 (7-1 MAAC)
Siena: 11-4, (7-1 MAAC)

Leaders: * all-tournament selection 
Jake Ward: 2 goals, 1 assist (3 points)*
Will Moulton: 2 goals, 1 assist (3 points)
Tim Kiely: 2 goals (2 points) 
Alex Pazienza: 7 saves* 

Of Note:
The opening half was back and forth with neither team leading by more than one goal. Ward scored two goals in the opening quarter, but Siena put one more away to take a 3-2 lead heading into the second frame. 

Cayden Brodnax and Tim Kiely scored back-to-back goals, taking a 4-3 edge, but Siena answered with two straight goals to take a 5-4 lead heading into halftime. 

The Saints scored three straight goals to open the third quarter, but Moulton scored his first of the day off a great transition feed from Jack Ramsay. Siena answered to jump ahead by four, but Moulton and Kiely scored back-to-back goals to pull the Pioneers within two, 9-7, heading into the fourth.

Siena scored the opening goal of the final frame for a three-goal lead, but Matt Pepe kept Sacred Heart's hope alive at 8:26 with a man-up goal to pull the Pios within two, 10-8. Neither team scored until the final 2:37 as Siena scored two consecutive goals with an open net to secure the 12-8 victory over the defending champions. 

Graduate goalie Alex Pazienza made 7 saves as he ended his career with the Pioneers as one of Sacred Heart's most decorated goalies. The Pios all-time saves, wins, and career goals against average leader, was also named to the MAAC all-tournament team for his performances in both tournament games.

On the faceoff x, the Pioneers did a tremendous job against the MAAC faceoff specialist of the year from Siena. Luke Romanek was 8-for-14 with one ground ball and MP Thomas was 6-for-7 with four ground balls.