FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A late flurry could not propel the comeback attempt as the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team dropped its first game on the month of November, falling to Stonehill College, 1-0, on Friday evening.
During a fast-paced first period, the Pioneers had a few chances to take the early lead but a stingy Skyhawk defense held strong, keeping the home side without a shot on goal in the first five minutes of action. On the other side, Stonehill had its moments in the offensive zone but could not send one past SHU netminder
Jillian Petruno who made her third-consecutive start between the pipes.
Halfway through the period, the visitors broke the deadlock after a shot from the point made its way past Petruno and into the back of the net. With pressure in the offensive zone, the Skyhawks funneled the puck around the boards finding Lily Barrett whose shot from the point was deflected in the low slot by Lily Geist, giving Stonehill a 1-0 lead they saw into the first intermission.
The Pios came out strong to begin the second period, outshooting the opposition through the first 10 minutes of the frame, 6-5, but could not solve Skyhawk goaltender Eve Stone who had stopped all eight shots through the midway point of the game as the home side searched for the equalizer. SHU dominated the final 10 minutes of the period, sending 11 shots toward Stone during the frame but could not even the score as Stonehill remained on top through 40 minutes.
SHU came out eager in the final period, hemming the Skyhawks in their own zone for a majority of the period en route to sending 26 shot attempts near Stone. With two power-play opportunities, the Pios continued searching for the elusive first goal but came up empty as the game entered the final 10 minutes with the visitors holding the lead.
After being held back for a majority of the third period, Stonehill finally registered its first shot of the frame with five minutes left as the Pioneers continued to mount the pressure on the Skyhawks. The Red & White had opportunity in the final minutes to even the score line but could not funnel anything past Stone who earned a 20-save shutout as the Pios fell, 1-0.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- Jillian Petruno made her third consecutive start in net for the first time in her career.
- The Pioneers limited the Skyhawks to just 19 shots in the game which is the lowest by an opponent this season.
Up Next:
The Pioneers finish up the weekend slate and the four-game homestand with a rematch against the Skyhawks on Saturday, November 11 with puck drop from Martire Family Arena slated for 2 p.m. Live statistics and livestream information is available at sacredheartpioneers.com.
