Fairfield, Conn. –  In its first game following the New Year, the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team faced a tough test against the nation's third-ranked Minnesota, falling 4–0 on Friday night at Martire Family Arena.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: (5-13-1, 4-9-1 NEWHA) 
Minnesota: (15-4, 10-4 WCHA)
 
Top Performers:
Julia Zielinska: 7 blocked shots 
Julianna Koman: 4 shots on goal
 
Goaltending:
Sacred Heart: Jillian Petruno: (L  5-8-1) 4 goals against | 48 saves 
Minnesota: Hannah Clark: 0 goals against | 15 saves 
 
How it Happened:

• The Pioneers set the tone early with a strong defensive effort, led by senior goaltender Petruno's 17 saves in the opening period. Sacred Heart controlled the faceoff circle with a 10–6 advantage and showed defensive sacrifice with eight blocked shots, including two from Hailey Jussila. Despite the strong start, Minnesota struck twice and carried a 2–0 lead into the second period.
• The Pioneers came out with more energy to open the second period, firing four shots in the opening minutes, though not all reached the net. Minnesota responded by finding its stride, recording eight shots in a two-minute span. Petruno stood tall during the surge until the Golden Gophers eventually found the back of the net to extend their lead to three. Sacred Heart generated its best scoring chance of the game late in the period when Bria Holm rang a shot off the pipe, narrowly missing the net.
• The final period followed a similar script, as the Pioneers generated several offensive opportunities but were unable to break through. Petruno continued to stand strong in net, stopping 11 more shots. Minnesota added one final goal late in the period to seal a 4–0 victory.

Of Note:

• The faceoff battle finished even at 26-26
• Zielinska finished with a career high of seven blocks
• Minnesota recorded six penalties

 
Up Next:
The Pioneers will face Minnesota again at Martire Family Arena tomorrow, Jan. 3, 2025, at 1 p.m.