:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58341049/at_Hartford_4_18.0.jpg)
The Sacred Heart Pioneers are the 64th team in our 2018 schedule preview series and the sixth team from the NEC. The Pioneers had a pretty good 2017, going 9-6 overall and finishing 4-2 in NEC play, before being bounced by Hobart, 15-9, in the NEC semifinals.
Here’s the entire 2018 schedule:
Sacred Heart’s 2018 Schedule
| Date | Road Team | Home Team | Special Notes | Last Year's Meeting(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Road Team | Home Team | Special Notes | Last Year's Meeting(s) |
| 2/10 | Sacred Heart | Stony Brook | 12-11 L | |
| 2/13 | Sacred Heart | UMass | First meeting since 2010 (15-12 L) | |
| 2/17 | Sacred Heart | Furman | in Sparks, Maryland (US Lacrosse Headquarters) | 9-8 W |
| 2/24 | Dartmouth | Sacred Heart | 15-8 W | |
| 3/3 | Providence | Sacred Heart | 10-8 W | |
| 3/8 | Sacred Heart | Vermont | 11-10 L | |
| 3/10 | Hartford | Sacred Heart | 14-12 L | |
| 3/17 | Sacred Heart | Robert Morris | NEC | 12-9 L |
| 3/24 | Bryant | Sacred Heart | NEC | 13-7 L |
| 3/31 | Mount St. Mary's | Sacred Heart | NEC | 13-5 W |
| 4/7 | Sacred Heart | St. Joe's | NEC | 12-11 W/OT |
| 4/14 | Wagner | Sacred Heart | NEC | 13-11 W |
| 4/20 | Sacred Heart | Cleveland State | 18-9 W | |
| 4/27 | Sacred Heart | Hobart | NEC | 8-7 W, 15-9 L |
The Pioneers swap out Lafayette in favor of UMass.
Let’s check out some notable games on this schedule:
Best Nonconference Game: vs. Furman (in Sparks, Maryland)
Both teams were pleasant surprises last year, and both teams had freshmen goaltenders to help with their seasons. Brooks Dutton against Alec Van de Bovenkamp provided a one-goal game in favor of the Pioneers, and I would expect for both of these teams to produce another good matchup as they continue their progress.
Best Conference Game: @ St. Joe’s
The Hawks didn’t have Mike Rastivo last year, and it could’ve helped them in last year’s meeting, which Sacred Heart took in overtime. How much of a difference does Rastivo make on offense for the Hawks along with Chris Blewitt?
Under The Radar Game: @ Stony Brook
The Pioneers had a good first half, leading by three at the midway point of the game. But the Seawolves came back with the potent offense, putting up seven goals in the final two quarters. This game really showed Sacred Heart’s potential of a team, and made me put them on notice in the NEC.
Possible Upset: vs. Providence
The Friars return most of their offense as well as goalie Tate Boyce. They had a prime defenseman in Jarrod Neumann, but return James Barclay from that unit. The loss of Bryce Jurk hurts Sacred Heart’s offense, but they do bring back Joe Saggese and Max Tuttle.
For other schedules and team rosters, check out our Men’s Division I matrix.