The Sacred Heart University women's lacrosse team (1-9, 1-0 NEC) used a strong start to hold off LIU Brooklyn (3-7, 0-1 NEC), 16-10, Friday afternoon at Campus Field. The Pioneers also captured their first win of the season, to roll out Northeast Conference action for both teams. How it happened… The Pioneers fired off four unanswered goals from the sticks of Alyssa Pearce, Sydney Ericson, Averi Farhat and Hanna Wise. Dominique Anselmin provided the game's first assist while Farhat credited the help for the second goal, all a part of the team's 4-0 start capped in the 25th minute. Rachel Masullo's tally almost nine minutes after put the Blackbirds on the board prior to Amanda Masullo's goal bringing the foe within two with 15:30 to go in the onset. Pearce awarded the Pioneers their fifth goal before another 4-0 spurt by the hosts put the score at 8-2 at 5:20. Both teams went on to trade goals in the final minute to settle the halftime score at 9-3. LIU Brooklyn's Dale Cosgrove struck first in the second half to bring the visitors back within five but that would match the closest the club would get, also evidenced by the 15-10 line at the 5:40 mark, before resting on the six-point differential. The numbers… Pearce guided the Pioneers with five goals and an assist to lead all participants in points (6). She also benefitted from a free position shot and committed just one turnover during her time out on the turf. Wise's four goals sat second on the team while also supplying an assist. She also won a pair of draw controls. Cassie Cesario tied a game-high three assists while also finding the back of the cage, twice. She also created five Blackbird miscues on the defensive side of things. Farhat (2g, 1a) and Ericson (3g) rounded out SHU's offensive output. Anselmin's six draw controls and Cesario's seven groundballs led considerably on the defensive end. Paige Hammick racked up 20 saves in goal for SHU and also picks up her first victory of the season. Up next… NEC play continues as SHU embarks on a two-game road-stand. Bryant will welcome the Pioneers next, Friday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m.