SHELTON, Conn.- Renee Hoffmann opened up the second period with her fourth goal of the season, but the Long Island University women's ice hockey team fell to the Sacred Heart University Pioneers, 4-1 in New England Women's Hockey Alliance play on Friday afternoon.
 
The Sharks and Pioneers were scoreless after the first period, and LIU had an eight-six edge on shots on goal. The Sharks came out strong to start the second as it took just two minutes for Hoffmann to break open the scoreless tie and give the Blue and Gold the lead. Julia Hoffmann assisted her twin sister on the goal. Nearly three minutes passed and the Pioneers were able to tie the game at one all. After both teams killed off their first power plays of the day, Sacred Heart was able to take a 2-1 lead shortly before the second intermission.  
 
The Sharks killed off the Pioneers' second power play of the day and did not allow any shots. Hoffmann had a chance at a short-handed goal, but it was saved by the goaltender. Carrigan Umpherville had a one-on-one opportunity midway through the third to tie the game, but the Pioneers goaltender made the save. Sacred Heart would add an insurance goal with just under five minutes left to play and put the game away with an empty goal in the final two minutes of the game.
 
Kenzie Harmison finished the day with 24 saves in net. As a team, the Sharks finished with 14 blocked shots, and killed off both of Sacred Heart's power play opportunities.
 
Offensivley, the Shrks finished with 18 shots on goal. Hoffmann led the team with four shots on goal. Julia Hoffmann, Paula Bergström, Issy Lebrun, Matilda af Bjur, Umpherville, and Alva Johnsson all finished with two shots on target. Lauren Spino and Linn Thomsen each had one shot.
 
The Sharks return home tomorrow, Saturday January 25 to close out the regular season series against the Pioneers at Iceworks. Puck drop in Syosset is slated for 8:20 p.m.