WASHINGTON (October 29, 2023) - Howard University women's soccer continues their postseason journey, defeating No. 5 Sacred Heart (SHU), 1-0, in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament First Round.
 
With the victory, HU (12-5-2) earned its first-ever NEC Tourney win.
 
Both squads were scoreless for majority of the first halt until the lone goal of the game came courtesy of senior Marli Berry (Orangevale, Calif.) in the 30^th minute.
 
Posted up for a throwing, newcomer Samantha James (Herndon, Va.) aimed her toss at an approaching Berry. Leveling a defender before shaking off another, Berry turned to shoot her shot in the bottom right corner - just out of the keep's reach.
 
Fresh out of the break, the Pioneers threatened HU's advantage with back-to-back shots on-target. A quick-handed Trinity Knox (Atlanta) was ready for both - notching two of her final three saves.
 
The Pioneers outshot Howard, 11-7, putting six on goal, but were unable to capitalize on the attempts, thanks to a solid defense by Knox and the backline.
 
In her tournament debut, Knox finished with six saves in the victory.
 
SHU (6-9-4), who reached last year's title match, saw its run come to an end. Elyssa Kipperman, 2022 NEC Goalkeeper and Defensive Player of the Year, recorded a save in the loss.
 
The Bison move to a 12-5-2 overall record after defeating Sacred Heart University 1-0 Sunday afternoon in their first-ever tournament appearance.
 
The No. 4 Bison travel to New Britain, Conn., to face No. 2 Central Connecticut State. Match time is slated for 6 p.m.
 
For more information visit www.HUBison.com.