The Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics has made attendance at its NCAA Division I home games during the 2008-09 seasons even more affordable for local families. In recognition of the tight budgets that many Connecticut residents are facing these days, children 14 and under will be admitted free to all games throughout the coming seasons.

The decision continues the Sacred Heart mission to make the University a comfortable and affordable place for families to go. Earlier this year, Sacred Heart University announced a decision to offer free tuition to full-time undergraduate students from Fairfield County high schools.

“We want area parents and family care providers to know that Sacred Heart athletic contests are affordable, safe and enjoyable places for families to gather and enjoy quality time with each other,” said SHU Associate Director for External Relations, Mark Adzigian. “In the past, we have hosted many youth groups, birthday parties and sponsored Take a Kid to the Game promotions. Now there’s no reason why every SHU game can’t be just like that.”

The football season opens at home on August 30 and a family of five can attend the game on Campus Field for as little as $16 – the price of two adult tickets. The Pioneers have six home games during the 2008 season.

A similar policy will hold for all basketball and hockey games during the 2008-09 season, as well as men’s lacrosse games in the spring of 2009. All general admission adult tickets for those sports will also be $8, with the exception of $10 for men’s basketball.

“The University is a very proud member of both the local and regional communities. By offering these programs, focusing positively on both academics and athletics, we are able to be an inclusive and contributing neighbor in our surrounding communities and show how important it is to enjoy family time together, especially during challenging economic times,” Adzigian concluded.

To check the home schedules for each team and order tickets online visit SacredHeartPioneers.com.

Sacred Heart University student-athlete Lisa Moray of Hopewell Junction, NY passed away early Wednesday morning as the result of an auto accident near her home in Dutchess County, NY. Lisa, a senior at Sacred Heart, was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team.

A wake service and calling hours will be held on Thursday and Friday at McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction with a funeral mass on Saturday morning at St. Columbia Church.

“This was a tragic ending to a very promising life of someone who we cared about a great deal,” said Director of Athletics, Don Cook. “Our sympathies and prayers go out to her family, her parents Donna and Walter, and her sisters, Sherry, Lori and Debi, at this difficult time in their lives.”

Moray ended her four-year Sacred Heart career this past March helping to guide the Pioneers to yet another winning season and what was their ninth-straight appearance in the Northeast Conference Tournament. She ended her career having appeared in 112 games while finishing with 160 career three-point field goals, a mark that leaves her third on the all-time list at Sacred Heart.

As a sophomore during the 2005-06 season, she was a key member of a Pioneer squad that finished with a school record 26 wins and claimed the university’s first-ever Northeast Conference championship and berth in the NCAA Tournament. During her junior campaign, Moray set a new school record for three-point makes in a season burying 69 on the year to lead the Pioneers to their second-straight NEC regular season title. She also went on to lead the NEC in assist to turnover ratio that year, handing out a career-best 106 assists.

Calling Hours and Funeral Information:
Wake Calling Hours: Thursday 7-9pm and Friday 2-4pm and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY (phone # 845-221-2000).

Funeral Mass: Saturday 10:00am at St. Columbia Church, 837 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY (phone # 845-227-8380).