FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After another successful season on the pitch, the Sacred Heart University women's rugby team looks to continue the team's impressive rise in 2025-26.  

LAST SEASON REVIEW 
The Pioneers went 3-3-1 in 15's this past season, ending strong with back-to-back wins over Navy and Quinnipiac at home at Park Ave Field. SHU's win over the Bobcats on Senior Day marked the team's first against its in-state rival.  

Sacred Heart went 19-10 over the 7's season after taking part in five tournaments. The Pios won the Chargers 7's Tournament, placed third at the Brown 7's Tournament, and went on in the postseason to take third at the USA/CRAA Rugby 7's National Championship.  

WHO'S RETURNING 
The Pioneers bring back a handful of their most impactful players from a season ago. Leading the group is All-National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) First Team selection and captain, Reece Woods. The junior loose head and tight head prop tallied six tries, 50 tackles, 81 carries and 388 meters made last year. Senior 8 Ashley Torres-Brown made the All-NIRA Second Team after collecting a pair of tries, 51 tackles, 55 carries and 508 meters made. SHU's final All-NIRA honoree was junior loose head and tight head prop Olivia Woods, who made the Honorable Mention Team for the first time in her career. She tallied one try, 38 tackles, 95 carries and 551 meters made. Avonlea Wood also returns after leading the team in tackles. The senior flanker averaged 10.6 tackles a match, with a 99% tackle completion rate and 74 total tackles in the fall. 

THE NEWCOMERS 
SHU added 15 newcomers to its already talented roster this offseason. The Pios brought in five transfers and 10 first years. Among the transfers are Carrie Coyer-Westerberg and Charlotte Dauser, who were both a part of Davenport's 2023 NIRA DII National Championship team.  

LOOKING AT THE 15's SCHEDULE 
The Pios kick off an eight-match regular-season 15's slate on Saturday at Brown. Of those eight, SHU will play seven NIRA contests in the schedule. Following the Brown match, Sacred Heart will next battle Queens (N.C.) at Mount St. Mary's (Md.) on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10;30 a.m. The Pioneers remain on the road on Sunday, Sept. 14, for a 5 p.m. tilt at AIC in Springfield, Mass.  

SHU's home slate kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 20, when it welcomes Dartmouth for an 11 a.m. NIRA contest at Park Ave Field. The Pioneers are back at home for a night match against Army on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. 

Two road matches follow the contest against the Black Knights, as the Pios play at Harvard and Quinnipiac on Saturday, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, respectively. SHU will then celebrate Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, with an 11 a.m. tilt against the Sharks of LIU.  

Following the regular season, the NIRA postseason is set to begin on Saturday, Nov. 15, with the semifinals, while the championship is set for Saturday, Nov. 22.