FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Despite outscoring Lafayette in the fourth quarter, the Sacred Heart University football team fell short to the visiting Leopards under the lights at Campus Field in its home opener. 
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 0-1
Lafayette: 1-0
 
Top Performers:
Cade Pribula: 17-28, 138 yards, 1 TD
Malik Grant: 74 yards, 21 carries
Ethan Hilliman: 28 yards, 4 receptions, 1 TD
Nick Foglia: 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL

Of Note:
Lafayette controlled the opening half, leading the Pioneers 13-7 after 30 minutes. The Leopards kicked off the scoring with a 28-yard rushing touchdown from Jamar Curtis with 9:00 on the clock in the first. Solid defensive work from the Pioneers, including a fumble recovery from Ernest Howard, kept the Leopards off the board for the remainder of the quarter.

The second quarter saw the Leopards extend their lead, 13-0, following a four-yard run from Ryan Schuster. A a 17-yard rushing touchdown from Jalen Madison and a Sam Renzi point after brought the Pioneers to within six, 13-7.

Following a scoreless third quarter, SHU's Ethan Hilliman made things interesting by making an impressive, 11-yard reception from a Cade Pribula throw to put the Pioneers ahead 14-13 with 11:41 left in the fourth. It was the home team's only lead of the game, and it did not last long.

Lafayette's Nahjee Adams found the end zone on the ground from a yard out with 7:24 to play.

SHU mounted a late drive into the red zone that ran out of downs before they could grab the lead.

Up Next:
The Pioneers continue non-conference play on Saturday, Sept. 9, with a road showdown against Georgetown. Game time is set for 12:30 p.m.