The women’s soccer team partnered with the university’s Lemon Club on Sept. 13 for their annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness Game. The goal was to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, while honoring children and families impacted by the disease. In the 4-0 win over Manhattan University, players wore yellow ribbons in their hair to symbolize support.
game against Manhattan on Sept. 13, 2025.
Source: Andy Trevino, ’26
For junior forward Shea Kelleher, who scored twice in the victory, the game meant playing for more than just the scoreboard.
“To me, it means playing for those who can’t or aren’t able to,” said Kelleher. “It feels good. If you look around the field and see the ribbon in other people’s hair, it motivates you to keep going and reminds you of why you’re out there.”
The Pioneers carried that motivation into their performance. After three straight road games, the return to Park Avenue Field and the chance to compete for a cause energized the team from kickoff.
“In our team huddle, we were all saying we can do it for Avery and do it for each other,” Kelleher said, referencing a young cancer fighter connected to the program. “Our goal was to go 2-0 to start conference play, and that’s what we did.”
Senior midfielder Morgan Bovardi, who contributed to three of Sacred Heart’s goals said the game carried extra weight for her final season.
“It’s really important. Like Shae said, it’s playing for something more, and those who can’t,” said Bovardi. “Winning that game and putting the performance on that we did was really important to us.”
The presence of the Lemon Club helped showcase how the student organization supports research and families.
“Having them there is really important. It gives fans who do show up a chance to see what they do and how they can make an impact,” said Bovardi.
Head coach Matthew Micros said the night was personal for the staff and players.
“It hits a little differently because Avery’s sister played for [Connecticut Football Club], the club I founded,” Micros said. “Cancer is a tough disease. We lost one of our players’ fathers last year and my own mother to it. Especially when it strikes kids so young, it has such an impact. I think it’s a great cause that we can hopefully continue, until we eventually find a way to cure it.”
The 4-0 win over Manhattan improved the Pioneer’s record to 2-0 in conference play. For the players, though, the message went beyond the win.
“I appreciate those fans who came to support pediatric cancer and to watch us,” said Kelleher. “It means a lot to have that support behind us.”
A week later the Pioneers fell short to their cross-town rival, Fairfield University, in a 1-4 conference loss.
They will take to the road on Sept. 24 against Marist University at 7 p.m.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
