BOSTON, Mass. - Maggie Araneo of the Sacred Heart University women's lacrosse team recorded her first hat trick of the 2025 season behind a three-goal first half, but it wasn't enough as the Pioneers fell on the road to the Boston University Terriers 7-4 on Wednesday evening at Nickerson Field in non-conference play. With the loss, the Pioneers drop to 0-2 on the season, while the Terriers improve to 1-1.

Jamie Tanner recorded a multi-point game for the second straight game, while Madelyn Breitbeil led the defensive unit in caused turnovers with five, which ties her season-high. 

Final Score:
Sacred Heart - 4
Boston U - 7

Top Performers:
Maggie Araneo - 3 points | 3 goals | 2 assists | 1 ground ball
Jamie Tanner - 2 points | 1 goal | 1 assist | 1 ground ball
Madelyne Breitbeil - 5 caused turnovers | 4 ground balls
Shea Insinga - 3 draw controls

Between the Pipes:
Lisa Martin (L, 0-2) - 9 saves | 6 goals-against
Margaret Morgan - 1 goal-against

How it Happened:
The game began with a defensive showdown between the Pioneers and Terriers. Both teams showcased their defensive prowess, resulting in seven total turnovers over the first 11 minutes. The goalies on both sides were equally impressive, making two excellent saves each, ensuring the score remained at a tense zero. 

Araneo seized a man-up opportunity and was awarded a free-position shot. She placed the ball directly into the net with strategic precision, giving her team a 1-0 lead with just 3:36 remaining in the first period.

Sacred Heart's offensive threat was palpable as the Pios rattled off three straight shot attempts within 30 seconds under one minute. This relentless attack culminated in Araneo finding the net for the second time of the afternoon. With less than seven seconds to go, Sadie Stevens found Araneo, cutting down the middle, to put the visitors ahead, 2-0, heading into the second period. 

The Terriers finally managed to break the deadlock, with Jayne Feeney scoring a crucial goal at 4:35 of the second, reducing the deficit to 2-1. 

SHU demonstrated their offensive prowess as the clock wound down, tactfully maneuvering the ball. Tanner deftly passed the ball to Araneo, who, with her back to the goal, executed a masterful shot that found the back of the net, securing her first-half hat trick. Araneo's goal was a testament to her skill and pushed the visitors' lead to 3-1 as the teams entered the halftime break.

Despite being outscored, 3-1, by the Terriers in the third, the Pioneers showed their resilience, heading into the final quarter knotted at four, 4-4, after Tanner scored on a free-position attempt with 35 seconds left on the clock. 

The fourth quarter saw the score get away from the Pioneers as the Terriers scored three unanswered goals to secure the home win in Boston.

Up Next:
The Pioneers return home on Sunday, Feb. 23, with a non-conference clash with the Brown Bears. Game time is slated for 3:00 PM at Campus Field.