EAST MEADOW, N.Y.  – Despite taking the lead on four occasions, the Long Island University women's hockey team suffered a 5-4 setback to the Sacred Heart University Pioneers in New England Women's Hockey Alliance play on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Northwell Health Ice Center.
 
It took just eight seconds for LIU to take the lead, as freshman Megan Bouveur potted a pass from classmate Stella Scott for her second goal of the season. After Sacred Heart leveled the scoring moments later, Bouveur tallied her second goal during the opening three minutes of the game, this time dumping in a rebound on the back side of the play to put LIU ahead, 2-1. The Pioneers once again battled back moments later to tie the score, but freshman Paula Bergström found the back of the net with 44 seconds remaining to give the Blue and Gold a 3-2 lead at the first intermission.
 
For the third time, the Pioneers tied the scoring at the midway point, though LIU regained momentum late in the stanza. Freshman Matilda af Bjur capped off a turnover in the offensive end when she deflected home a pass from fellow freshman Carrigan Umpherville to take a 4-3 lead into the final period.
 
Sacred Heart's defense held LIU scoreless for the first time during the third period and the Pioneer offense rallied late to force overtime. Having just pulled its goalkeeper, Sacred Heart ripped a shot just underneath the crossbar to level the scoring with just under two minutes remaining, forcing an overtime period.
 
Midway through the extra period, Sacred Heart gained possession in the defensive end and a stretch pass connected to spring a breakaway opportunity. LIU was forced to slow down the opportunity and was called for a tripping minor, awarding Sacred Heart a penalty shot. Victoria Grimmer made a beautiful move on the attempt and despite a sprawling effort by freshman netminder Mia McLeod, Grimmer tucked a shot inside the right post to give the Pioneers the win.
 
The Sharks return to the ice next weekend for a two-game series against Post University in NEWHA action. The weekend begins on the road at the Sports Center of Connecticut on Friday, Nov. 15 for a 2:00 p.m. start.