Fairfield, Conn. –  The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team hosted Stonehill for a New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) matchup, and fell short, 4-1.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: (5-17-1, 4-12-1 NEWHA) 
Stonehill: (11-11-1, 11-5-1 NEWHA)
 
Top Performers:
Peyton Bennetts: 1 goal 
Lake Bethard:  1 assist 
Olivia LaRoche: 5 shots
Alyssa Antonakis: 5 shots
 
Goaltending:
Sacred Heart: Mia Wendell: (L, 0-6-0) 3 goals against | 15 saves | Jillian Petruno: 0 goals against | 7 saves 
Stonehill: Alexsa Caron: (W, 7-5-0) 1 goal against | 42 saves
 
How it Happened:

• Bennetts opened the scoring in the first period with a shot to the top-right corner, assisted by Bethard, to give the Pioneers an early lead. Stonehill responded shortly after to tie the game at 1–1 heading into the first intermission. Despite the even score, Sacred Heart held a 16–7 advantage in shots over the Skyhawks.
• Sacred Heart controlled possession throughout the second period but was unable to convert, outshooting Stonehill 15–10. The Skyhawks capitalized during 4-on-4 play, scoring the lone goal of the period to take a 2–1 lead into the third.
• The Pioneers made a goaltending change in the third period, turning to Petruno. Stonehill extended its lead to 3–1, prompting Sacred Heart to pull Petruno for the extra attacker in a 6-on-5 situation. The Pioneers were unable to convert, and the Skyhawks sealed the game with a late empty-net goal, securing a 4–1 final.

 
Of Note:

• Bennetts scored her second goal of the season
• Bethard tallied her third assist of the season
• The Pioneers outshot the Skyhawks 43-26

 
Up Next:
The Pioneers will look to bounce back tomorrow afternoon as they return to the ice to host the Skyhawks in game two of the NEWHA series. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.