NIRA’s D-I is still very tight as evidenced by Harvard’s five-point victory over Sacred Heart Friday night.
Harvard improved to 2-0-1 while SHU dropped to 1-1.
Harvard took an early lead when Lennox London scored and Chloe Headland converted. SHU fullback Alyssa Cunningham’s penalty goal nudged the Pioneers closer but Headland answered with a penalty of her own to make it 10-3.
Sacred Heart tied it up with a big try from Reece Woods, and Cunningham converted to make it 10-10.
This would be the theme of the game, with Harvard later on building another lead only to see SHU storm back.
Neasa McLaughlin powered over for a forwards’ try, and then scrumhalf Reese Morgan tapped quickly just before halftime to go over. Harvard went into the break leading 20-10.
SHU held a ton of possession in the second half. Cunningham raced over and converted to bring her side within three. And then midway through the second half the Pioneers opted for posts after a period of pressure and Cunningham was good on the kick.