The back-to-back conference bronze medal-winning Pandas return to the pitch on Friday, as they host the Calgary Dinos in their home-opener.

Alberta is coming off a 4-2 15s season last fall, before dispatching Lethbridge to capture their 19th medal in program history. The Pandas have won three-straight against Calgary, including wins of 54-5 and 43-7 in 2023. 

20 of the 38 Pandas are first-year student-athletes. Riley Reid (Strathcona Druids), Emerson Hanrahan (St. Albert Rugby Club), and Anéla Hébert (Junior Pandas) are among the key recruits. 

"We graduated a dozen players — over half the squad are rookie players," said Pandas head coach Matt Parrish. "Our returning players will have to step up. The recruits we added are talented, including five players at the Rugby Canada U18 West Camp."

Team captains Molly Stetsko and Maria Sawiak, as well as top-scorer Bea Herrera will be tasked with providing leadership and on-field contributions this fall. 

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2024 CW RUGBY 15s PRESEASON COACHES POLL 

2024 Pandas Rugby 15s Preview

2023 CW regular season record: /4-2/, 3rd          
2023 post-season record: /1-1/, L vs VIC 38-12 in semifinal, W vs Lethbridge 17-5 in bronze match
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014 / 10
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2013 / 6
 
2023 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 162 points, 3rd
Defence: 175 points against, 3rd
 
2023 CW regular season leaders (Returning Athletes):
Points: 25 - Bea Herrera
Tries: 5 - Bea Herrera
Converts: 1 - Emilee Randolph
 
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Riley Reid / Fly Half / 1st / Ardrossan, AB / Strathcona Druids
Emerson Hanrahan / Centre / 1st / Edmonton, AB / St. Albert Rugby Club
Anéla Hébert / Flanker / 1st / Edmonton, AB / Junior Pandas
 
Key performer: Maria Sawiak
Centre
4th Year
Hometown: Ardrossan, Alta.

With over half of their rosters being first-year student-athletes, the Pandas will need strong seasons from their veterans. Top among them is fourth-year captain Maria Sawiak. A star on the rugby pitch and wrestling mat for the Pandas, Sawiak scored five tries for Alberta in 15s and 7s in 2023. She was also a Canada West gold medal-winning wrestler.