BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The LIU field hockey team had to wait an five extra days to begin its NEC schedule. The delay was worth the wait.

LIU defeated Sacred Heart, 1-0, in the NEC opener on Wednesday afternoon at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Kiki Bruning scored the match's lone goal midway through the third quarter after stripping the ball from an opponent.

The match originally had been scheduled for last Friday, but heavy rain forced its postponement.

Fleur Hofman made five saves in the shutout victory.

"We are very pleased with the result," coach Mike Pallister said. "Sacred Heart is always a very tough team. And coming off a strong win against Quinnipiac, we knew they would be a challenge.

"The focus this week was on our ability to defend patiently and with a little more professionalism. The team was fantastic, especially in the first half. Kiki scored on a screamer in the third period and we weathered the storm at the end for the first NEC win.

"This win is an important step for us as we work toward making the playoffs."

LIU next faces Stonehill on Friday in Massachusetts before returning home for Senior Day on Sunday against Merrimack.