Women’s Ice Hockey Wins Sixth Straight with 1–0 Victory Over Post

Saturday, February 7

Fairfield, Conn.

7:00 PM

Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics

11-17-2, 10-12-2

Post

9-20-1, 9-14-1

OT 1

Post

Sacred Heart

Photo by: Abbi Marino

Women’s Ice Hockey Wins Sixth Straight with 1–0 Victory Over Post

2/7/2026 9:36:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey

Box Score

Petruno earns her tenth career shutout

By: Julia Groff

Fairfield, Conn. -- The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team, for the second consecutive night, battled Post University in a New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) matchup that required overtime, and once again, the Pioneers came out on top, earning a 1–0 victory.

Records:
Sacred Heart: (11-17-2, 10-12-2 NEWHA)
Post: (9-20-1, 9-14-1 NEWHA)

Top Performers:
Hailey Jussila: 1 goal
Julia Zielinska: 1 assist
Olivia LaRoche: 4 blocked shots
Ella Holm: 17 faceoff wins

Goaltending:
Sacred Heart: Jillian Petruno: (W, 11-9-1) 32 saves | 0 goals against
Post: Hannah Saunders: (L, 7-16-1) 26 saves | 1 goal against

How it Happened:

Sacred Heart delivered a poised and disciplined opening period, asserting control through faceoffs with a 10–6 advantage led by Ella Holm's strong 4–1 performance. The Pioneers were committed defensively, stepping into shooting lanes for three blocks and maintaining structure in their own zone. Petruno was outstanding between the pipes, stopping all 15 shots she faced to keep Sacred Heart even at 0–0 after one, providing confidence and momentum heading into the next period.
The Pioneers continued to show resilience and discipline in the second period, winning the faceoff battle 11–9 to extend its overall advantage to 21–15 and maintain possession through key moments. Defensively, Ella Holm and Cohen led the effort with two blocked shots each, sacrificing to protect the middle of the ice. Petruno remained rock solid in net, turning aside 11 more shots to keep Sacred Heart steady and competitive as the game progressed.
Sacred Heart took control of the period with an aggressive offensive push, leading in shots (26–16) and shots on goal (15–6) while continuing to edge the faceoff battle 11–10. The sustained pressure showcased SHU's depth and pace, keeping play in the offensive zone for extended stretches. Petruno remained steady when called upon, making six saves to support the strong all-around effort.
The Pioneers wasted no time in overtime, as Jussila delivered the game-winner assisted by Zielinska just 1:33 into the extra frame. SHU completely dictated play in OT, firing three shots and never allowing Post to gain any meaningful puck control. The Pioneers' relentless pressure and confidence paid off quickly, sealing a decisive and well-earned victory.

Of Note:

The Pioneers have won six straight and swept three straight series
Jussila scored on back-to-back games, both coming off a Zielinska assist
Sacred Heart won the faceoff battle 33-25
Petruno earned her tenth career shutout

Up Next:

The Pioneers return to Martire Arena on Friday, Feb. 13, for a 5:00 p.m. matchup against LIU, then hit the road for a Valentine's Day showdown at LIU on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:00 p.m.