OPENING PITCH
Saint Francis women's soccer return to action on Sunday when they host Sacred Heart in matchup with massive playoff implications. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Saint Francis will be looking to make it four matches without defeat after equalizing in stunning fashion against Merrimack in the dying seconds of their match last Sunday. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and earned the Red Flash a crucial point from one of the NEC's best teams.
The Red Flash have a chance to punch their ticket to the NEC Tournament with a win against Sacred Heart. Saint Francis currently sits one point ahead of the Pioneers in the NEC table. Each side have two matches left to play entering Sunday's meeting, meaning a Saint Francis win ensures them of a top six finish and a postseason birth.
Lauren Persichetty's breakout 2023 campaign continued against Merrimack when she drew the Red Flash level with the Warriors just in the nick of time. Persichetty leads Saint Francis in points (10) and goals (4).
Sarah McConnon's stellar run of form in goal played a big part in Saint Francis' two draws last week. The Springfield, Pa. native saved 16 of the 17 shots she faced and has a save percentage at .855 since returning in net, good for third best in the NEC during conference play.
Both Persichetty and McConnon earned NEC Prime Performer selections for their efforts last week.
THE WORD ON SACRED HEART
The Pioneers enter the matchup at 4-8-4 overall, and 3-4-1 in the NEC. Last time out, Sacred Heart fell short on the road against Wagner, 1-0. The Pioneers conceded in the 33rd minute and could not find an equalizer.
Morgan Bovardi and Grace O'Hara lead the Pioneers in scoring with 17 points each. They have both scored seven goals and registered three assists.
LAST TIME WE MET
Saint Francis and Sacred Heart last met on Oct. 16, 2022 in Fairfield Conn., The Pioneers pulled in front 11 minutes in thanks to a Bovardi brace and would not relinquish that lead.
The Red Flash and Pioneers have met 26 times before. Saint Francis trails the all-time series 10-11-5, but are 7-5-3 when the two sides have met in Loretto.
UP NEXT
The Red Flash head to the United States capital to play Howard in their final regular season game on Thursday, Oct. 26. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m.
