FAIRFIELD, Conn.—The Sacred Heart University women's rugby team fell 26-20 to Army in National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) action on Friday evening at Park Ave Field. The Pioneers drop to 1-3 while the Black Knights improve to 3-1.

Alyssa Cunningham scored first to put the Pios on the board and give SHU the first lead, 5-0. Army answered with just under 14 minutes left in the opening half and had a good conversion to jump ahead, 7-5. 

Reece Woods responded immediately, and Cunningham secured the conversion as SHU took a 12-7 lead.

Army was able to tie the game as time expired and had a good conversion to take a 14-12 lead at the half. 

With a penalty kick, Cunningham put SHU ahead again, 15-14, but Army scored two more tries and had a good conversion to jump ahead 26-15. 

Sarah Gray scored with just under three minutes left to play to pull the Pioneers within six, 26-20. SHU kept the pressure on until time expired, but Army was able to hold them off and take the 26-20 final. 

"Army came out hard and played a great match, capitalizing on our mistakes," said Head Coach Michelle Reed. "First-year Ella Bortz was impressive tonight with great hits and dynamic runs.  I was also impressed with our last 10-12 minutes of play where we almost came back to win but ended up short. Looking forward to the chance to regather ourselves and head to Davenport for another competitive match."

Sacred Heart is back in action on Saturday, October 12 at 11 am CST at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich.