Last-Minute Heroics Give Sacred Heart First NEC Title in 13 Years

For the first time since 2010, Sacred Heart is headed to the NCAA Tournament.

The Pioneers scored the game’s final four goals, including the go-ahead from freshman Maggie Araneo with 15 seconds left, to defeat Wanger 7-6 in the Northeast Conference championship game.

ARANEO! She scores the game-winner with 15 seconds left on the clock! The rookie converts for the @SHUWomensLax and secures the program's fifth NEC title!#NECWLAX | #NECChamps pic.twitter.com/qOuv4KDDXe

— NEC Women's Lacrosse (@necwlax) May 6, 2023

Emma Kittredge scored three times for Sacred Heart, while Lydia Werlau finished with one goal and one assist.

Wagner goalie Lauren DiStefano made 15 saves, matching her total from Thursday’s semifinal win over LIU. The Seahawks were seeking their fourth NEC title and first since going back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.

Kittredge converted a free position at 8:45 of the first quarter to put the Pioneers in front 1-0, the only goal from either team in the opening frame.

Kittredge broke a 12:03 scoreless drought with her second of the day, this time taking a feed from Taylor Farace at 11:42 of the second quarter. Megan Greco got the Seahawks on the board and cut the deficit to 2-1 just over a minute later. Greco tied the game at 2-2 on an assist from Katie Siverson at 7:40.

Another scoreless drought ensued, and it was 2-2 at halftime.

The Seahawks looked to Greco once again early in the third quarter, and the Rocky Point, N.Y., product delivered, giving Wagner its first lead of the day, 3-2, at 13:28 of the third quarter. Siverson and Ella Marino also scored third-quarter goals, and the defense blanked the Pioneers’ attack.

Grace Reinold got Sacred Heart on the board and cut the deficit to 5-3 with 12:32 remaining, the Pioneers’ first goal since 11:42 of the second quarter. But a Siverson tally put the Seahawks back in front by three, 6-3.

Then, the Pioneers’ offense came alive. First, Lydia Werlau scored at 9:44 and assisted Shae Insinga at 7:48. Kittredge evened the game 6-all with 3:03 to play.

Maci Black forced a turnover, and the Pioneers called timeout with 57 seconds left. Out of the timeout, Grace Reinold dumped the ball inside to Araneo. Araneo, who entered the game with 12 goals, scored from the doostep with 15 seconds remaining.

Wagner called timeout, but Claire McElhenny won the draw, allowing the Pioneers to run out the clock.