FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's lacrosse team came up short on Saturday morning in non-conference action with a tough 9-6 setback to the Monmouth Hawks at Campus Field.

The Pioneers were led offensively by Jamie Tanner, who finished with two goals and an assist for three points. Jenn Lively recorded a team and season-high two assists. Along with a goal, Shae Insinga won six of SHU's eight draw controls, while Taylor Farace tallied the final two. 

Records:
Sacred Heart (2-4)
Monmouth (3-5)

Top Performers:
Jamie Tanner – 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist)
Jenna Lively – 2 assists, 1 ground ball
Shae Insinga – 6 draw controls, 1 goal
Brooke Gyllenhaal – 2 caused turnovers, 2 ground balls

Between the Pipes:
Lisa Martin (L, 2-4) – 7 goals-against, 4 saves
Margaret Morgan – 2 goals-against, 2 saves

How it Happened:
Monmouth's Caroline Brennan set the tone early, scoring the first goal at 14:48. This was followed by an unassisted goal from Sophia Lymberis, extending the Hawks' lead to 2-0.

Sacred Heart responded at 8:56 when Insinga connected with Tanner to get one back, making it 2-1. This goal marked a turning point in the game as Sacred Heart started to regain momentum. However, Monmouth regained control, as Kate Carolonza scored at 5:05 to make it 3-1, maintaining its lead. 

In the closing seconds of the first quarter, Sacred Heart pulled within one, with Tanner scoring again on a man-up opportunity, making it 3-2 at the end of the period.
 
Monmouth's determination was evident in the second quarter as they outscored the Pioneers 4-0, firmly establishing a commanding 7-2 lead at halftime. 

Despite the odds, Sacred Heart showed its resilience in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 3-0. Maci Black's goal at 11:24 on a man-up opportunity brought the hosts to within 7-3, and Tanner's second goal at 10:39 further closed the gap to 7-4. The Pioneers didn't stop there as Erin Herrold also found the back of the net, cutting Monmouths' lead to just two goals, 7-5, at the end of three. 

The final quarter was a roller coaster of emotions. Ellie Edwards put one past the Hakws' goalkeeper at 11:12, bringing Sacred Heart within a single goal at 7-6. However, Monmouth's Berigan scored her second goal of the game at 7:12, pushing the lead to 8-6. McNeely then sealed the win with a goal at 3:36, securing Monmouth's 9-6 victory.

Up Next:
The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, March 19 with a road showdown against former NEC opponent Stonehill College.