The Pandas open their conference slate on Friday at Foote Field, as they host the Calgary Dinos. The Pandas are coming off a 1-5 conference season a year ago, but finished strong by defeating Calgary 15-14 in the Canada West bronze medal match at Foote Field last October.

The Pandas boast their most experienced roster in nearly a decade, as their lineup includes 11 student-athletes in their fourth or fifth year of eligibility.

Key returning Pandas include: Bella Cuciz, Melina Ioannides, Kate Manning, Sydney McDonall, and two-time CW All-Star Shelby Pierce.

"The key to Pandas Rugby success this season will be experience," said Pandas head coach Matt Parrish. "Having seven fifth year players in our starting lineup will be a huge bonus."

Top recruits for head coach Matt Parrish include Mikayla Gibbon, Avery Melnyk, and Akina Ng.

2023 CW RUGBY 15s PRESEASON COACHES POLL 

 

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2023 Pandas Rugby 15s Preview

2022 CW regular season record: /1-5/, 5^th         
2022 post-season record: /1-1/, L vs UBC 64-12 in Semifinal, W vs Calgary 15-14 in Bronze Medal Match
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014 / 10
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2013 / 6
 
2022 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 59 points, 5th in CW
Defence: 347 points against, 5th in CW
 
2022 CW regular season leaders (Returning Athletes):
Points: 10 – Shelby Pierce & Maria Sawiak
Tries: 2 - Shelby Pierce & Maria Sawiak
Converts: 2 - Kate Manning
 
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Mikayla Gibbon / Prop / 1st / Edmonton, AB / Nor'Westers
Avery Melnyk / Lock / 1st / St. Albert, AB / Strathcona Druids
Akina Ng / Centre / 1st / Edmonton, AB / Pirates Rugby Club
 
Key performer:
Shelby Pierce
#8
4th Year
Sturgeon County, AB

Key Performer: Shelby Pierce

The Pandas only conference all-star in each of the last two 15's seasons, expectations are high for fourth-year Shelby Pierce. The fourth-year Sturgeon County native led the Pandas with two trys last fall, before adding five more in 7's play in the winter. Arguably the most talented and experienced Pandas team in a decade, Pierce will be the anchor for a team with lofty goals in 2023.