FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team kept its postseason hopes alive, grabbing a point with a scoreless draw in the penultimate match of the regular season against Niagara on Saturday evening. 
 
In the opening moments, the Pioneers displayed an offensive prowess that nearly resulted in the opening goal of the match within the first 10 minutes. Shea Kelleher had her best chance of the night in the 7^th minute, nearly slotting a looping ball into the corner. However, Maddie Crosbie was equal to it, pushing it over the elbow of the goal. 
 
The Pios continued pestering the Purple Eagles for the majority of the first half, amassing a 20-0 advantage in shots including nine on frame. On the other end, Kyran Thievon and her defense continued their dominance, limiting the opportunities for the visitors to even possess the ball in the final third as the score remained deadlocked, 0-0, after the first half. 
 
Niagara settled into the match in the second half, finally testing Thievon with a few chances that the sophomore keeper handled with ease. On the other end, SHU continued to pressure the Purple Eagles with under 25 minutes left in the second half as Lindsay McShea had her shot saved having sent a looping ball toward goal that nearly snuck in to the corner. 
 
The Pios continued pestering Niagara for the remainder of the game, amassing a 31-5 shot advantage and 15-4 shots on goal lead. However, the Pios could not solve Crosbie as the Pios kept their postseason hopes alive with a scoreless draw. 
 
Top Performers:

• Kyran Thievon: 4 saves, 1 shutout
• Grace O'Hara: 5 shots, 4 shots on goal
• Shea Kelleher: 7 shots, 2 shots on goal

 
Of Note: 

• SHU amassed a season-high 31 shots during the match. The 31 shots are the most in a match in over a year after SHU recorded 32 shots in a 7-0 win over Delaware State. 
• Thievon recorded her third shutout of the season during the match, recording four saves in her 90 minute outing. 

 
Up Next:
The Pioneers conclude the regular season with a must-win match against the Saint Peter's Peacocks on Wednesday, October 30. Kickoff from Park Ave Field is slated for 6 p.m. More information can be found at sacredheartpioneers.com.