WINCHENDON, Mass. (2/24/23) - The Franklin Pierce women's hockey team bombarded the Pioneer net with 36 total shots on goal, but could only score once in a 2-1 loss to open the NEWHA quarterfinal round against Sacred Heart University.

The Ravens now trail 1-0 in the best-of-three series, and fall to 16-14-3 (13-9-3 NEWHA) overall. Sacred Heart improves to 16-16-3 (13-10-2 NEWHA) overall with the win.

In the first period, Sacred Heart saw some early chances as they hopped on quick power play. However, the Ravens got in the way of everything they threw at the net, and were able to kill it off. Following the penalty kill, the Ravens swung the momentum in their favor and had some of their own chances on net, but similarly could not convert. Both teams finished the period with nine shots each, and would go to the second period tied 0-0.

 The second period had a similar feel to the first, at least up until the 7:50 mark. From behind the Raven net, right winger Cassandra Nevers fed a pass towards the side of the goal, which then deflected off a Raven player in behind Pierce netminder Jill Hertl (Highland Park, Ill.), giving Sacred Heart the 1-0 lead. The Ravens had a good chance to counter with a late power play in the period, but the Pioneers were able to hold firm and kill it off to preserve the one goal advantage. Through the second frame, the Ravens tallied 15 shots to the Pioneers six.

 Down by one in third period, Raven captain Ava Kison (Eau Claire, Wisc.) finally broke the ice for the Ravens. Kison would break through early in the stanza on a partial breakaway, scoring with a quick low wrist shot to even the score at 1-1. As time went on, things appeared to be headed for overtime until with just minutes left, Anastasia Sloan restored the Pioneer lead with traffic in front, beating Hertl on the rebound to make it 2-1 with little time remaining. The Ravens attempted to work some late magic, but ultimately fell short as the Pioneers would take game one 2-1. 

 Carly Greene (8-13-2) was the player of the game for the Pioneers, making 35 saves on 36 shots faced in the win. Jill Hertl (13-10-3) takes the loss following a solid showing in net, keeping Pierce alive in the contest with 19 saves on 21 shots. 

The Ravens now face a must-win scenario tomorrow evening, as they will face the Pioneers again for game two of the NEWHA Quarterfinal,  with puck drop at 4:00 p.m.