NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team keeps playoff hopes alive as it downs Merrimack, 2-1, thanks to a pair of second-half goals from Azria Malloy and Maria Nolan. 
 
Records
Sacred Heart: 7-6-2, 5-3-1
Merrimack: 4-11-2, 4-6 
 
Top Performers
Maria Nolan (SHU): 4 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal – game-winner
Azria Malloy (SHU): 3 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal
 
Goalies
Elyssa Kipperman (SHU): W, 6-6-2 | 6 saves, 1 goal
Claire DeFlora (MER): L, 0-7-1 |2 saves, 2 goals
Michelle Silva (MER): 2 saves
 
Up Next
The Pioneers are set to honor their seven seniors on Senior Day on Sunday, October 31 against Bryant. Game time is set for 12 p.m. 
 
Of Note
Merrimack jumped out to a quick lead halfway through the first half. Abigail Cieri one-timed a pass from Ella Cormier that soared its way into the upper 90. 
 
In the 71^st minute, Malloy got her foot on a loose ball just outside the box that trickled its way into the back of the net for the equalizer. The goal marks the first for the junior this season. 
 
With three minutes remaining, junior Desiree Crawford drew a hard foul inside the box which resulted in a penalty kick. Nolan took advantage of the opportunity for the game-winning tally and her second goal of the season. 
 
Sacred Heart remains in playoff contention as the Pioneers tie for fourth with Howard at 5-3-1. Both teams conclude the regular season this Sunday to determine the team that moves on into postseason play. The Red & White hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bison thanks to a 2-1 victory on October 10.