GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Sacred Heart University women's rugby team drew a 41-41 tie to Davenport University on the road on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers are now 1-3-1 on the season with two regular-season National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) matches remaining.

Fabiola Millien-Faustin, Olivia Woods, Karlee Allington, Alyssa Cunningham, Reese Torticill, Erin Croke, and Samantha Melvin all recorded a try for Sacred Heart. 

Davenport scored back-to-back tries and had a good conversion to jump ahead to an early 12-0 lead. Midway through the opening half, Millien-Faustin got SHU on the board as the Pios trailed 12-5. Davenport answered to take a 17-5 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the half. Woods added a try to bring Sacred Heart within seven, but in the final two minutes, Davenport scored a try and had a good conversion to jump ahead, 24-10. Allington scored as time expired, but the Pioneers still trailed at the half, 24-15. 

Cunningham wasted no time out of the break, scoring her lone try of the day and making a conversion to pull SHU within two, 24-22. The Panthers answered again, taking a 31-22 lead 15 minutes into the second half. 

Sacred Heart scored three straight tries and made two conversions to come from behind and take a 41-31 lead with just over five minutes left to play. However, Davenport was able to tie the game, scoring a try and making a conversion and penalty kick for the 41-41 final. 

The Pioneers will return home on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11:00 a.m. to take on Navy in NIRA action.