FAIRFIELD, Conn.- The Sacred Heart University women's rugby team begins a new chapter in its history when the 2022 season begins against Princeton on Saturday at home.
 
"The motivation to succeed this fall is strong as we got a taste of elite competition and success this past spring in the USA 7s Collegiate Championships," said SHU head coach Michelle Reed. "Add this with the new student-athletes who have joined our program this year and we are in a great spot for the fall season."
 
The Pioneers welcome nine new faces to the team including Kaleigh Ahern, Avonlea Wood, Chaney Fisher, Kenzie Riccardi, Haven Hawkins, Caroline Woelfel, Hannah Mance, Camile Hartgrove and Samantha Christian. SHU returns 20 student-athletes to the roster including sophomore Alyssa Cunningham who led the team in tries and conversions. 
 
Sacred Heart opens against a Princeton program that was just founded this year. The Pioneers have two more home games in the fall, against Dartmouth (Sept. 17) and Mount St. Mary's (Oct. 22). 
 
"We have brought intensity and intention to our preseason, and I look forward to seeing how it transfers to the field this Saturday versus Princeton University, a new program to the NIRA league," Reed added. 
 
Following Saturday's match, the Pioneers go on the road to face Brown on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11:00 a.m.