Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics
12-18-2, 11-13-2
LIU
16-15-1, 14-11-1
Sacred Heart falls to LIU, 1-0
2/14/2026 9:21:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
Sacred Heart controlled stretches of the game but was edged 1–0 by LIU.
Fairfield, Conn. – Sacred Heart battled fiercely throughout, controlling play in stretches but narrowly trailing 1–0 against LIU.
Records:
Sacred Heart: (12-18-2, 11-13-2 NEWHA)
LIU: (16-15-1, 14-11-1 NEWHA)
Top Performers:
Addie Bowlby: 5 shots on goal
Ella Holm: 12 faceoff wins
Maddie Smith: 3 blocked shots
Goaltending:
Sacred Heart: Jillian Petruno: (L, 12-10-1) 1 goal | 26 saves
LIU: Victoria Rutnik (W, 9-4) 26 saves
How it Happened:
· The opening period unfolded as a disciplined, defensive battle, with Sacred Heart matching LIU in a very even first 20 minutes. The score remained 0–0 at the break, reflecting how tightly contested the action was. LIU held a narrow edge in shots (17–16) and shots on goal (6–5), but Sacred Heart stayed composed under pressure. Petruno was sharp in net, recording six saves in the period and turning aside quality chances to preserve the shutout. Through one period, it was a balanced matchup defined by structure, poise, and steady play on both ends.
· LIU broke through first in the second period to take a 1–0 lead, applying steady pressure throughout the frame. They controlled much of the shot volume, finishing the period with a 16–9 advantage in shots on goal, but Sacred Heart continued to battle in key areas. The Pioneers gained an edge at the faceoff dot, winning draws 9–7 to create extra possessions, and Petruno stood tall under heavy action, turning aside 15 shots to keep the deficit at one. Maddie Smith added to the defensive effort with three total blocked shots, helping Sacred Heart weather the push and stay within striking distance.
· Sacred Heart controlled the third period, outpacing LIU across the board with 24 total shots to 11, 12 shots on goal to 5, and a 10–8 advantage in faceoffs. Despite their dominance and sustained pressure, the Pioneers were unable to find the back of the net, leaving the score at 1–0 as the game entered the final stages. Their persistence and control reflected a determined effort, even as LIU held onto their slim lead.
Of Note:
· The Pioneers end their 7-game win streak
· Last time Pioneers lost was Jan. 16 vs. Stonehill
· SHU outshot LIU 58-53
· SHU won faceoffs 23-22
Up Next:
· The Pioneers will return to action next weekend to conclude the regular season with a home-and-home series against Assumption. Game one is scheduled for Friday, February 20, at Assumption, with puck drop set for 7:10 p.m. Game two will take place on Saturday, February 21 at Martire Family Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
