FAIRFIELD, Conn.—The Sacred Heart University women's rugby program opens the season against Army on Friday, September 1 at 6:00 PM. The Pioneers are excited for the 2023-24 slate that includes three home matches and three road matches.

SHU will be at home for the first two matches of the season, with Army as the opener, followed by Brown on September 9 at 11:00 AM. The Pioneers will be on the road for three straight, including two NIRA matches at Mount St. Mary's and Quinnipiac, followed by a non-conference game at Navy on October 14. The Red and White will conclude the fall regular season at home on senior day against LIU at 6:00 PM on Park Ave Field.

Eight first years will join the Pioneers, including Olivia Woods and Reece Woods, who played on the USA Rugby U23 and U20 National Team over the summer. Junior Alyssa Cunningham was also a member of the U23 team where trio competed together for the Americas Rugby Trophy in Brazil. Sophomore Ashley Torres-Brown also kept busy this summer as she played with the Chicago Lions Rugby Club, where they won the Women's Club Championship in August.

Cunningham leads a veteran group of returners as well, along with senior co-captains Makena Wright and Emily Slocombe.

Last fall, Cunningham earned a spot on the All-NIRA First XV along with Jasmin Quinones, who earned an honorable mention.

The home opener and all SHU home games will be streamed on NEC Front Row.