UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers look to turn progress into consistency in 2026

A year ago, the UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers proved that their best was good enough to challenge anyone in the AUS. This season is about making that level the standard.

In Curtis Lauzon’s first season as head coach, the Panthers navigated a year of transition while remaining firmly in the conference picture. Perhaps no game better illustrated both their potential and the work still ahead than a 26-26 draw with perennial powerhouse St. Francis Xavier University.

UPEI led 21-7 at halftime, offering a glimpse of what the Panthers could look like at their best before the X-Women battled back. By season’s end, UPEI was just a try shy of reaching the AUS final and earning a berth at the U SPORTS championship.

“Last season showed us that this group is capable of competing with anyone in the conference,” Lauzon said. “There were moments throughout the season where we saw what this team could become.”

The next step is turning those moments into complete performances.

With another year in Lauzon’s system, the Panthers enter 2026 with considerably more experience, confidence, and belief.

Captain Sarah Bain has noticed the difference.

“The biggest difference I see between this season and last is the belief in ourselves,” Bain said. “This year, there is so much more confidence throughout the team, with everyone bought into the same goals and constantly pushing the standards.”

Helping to drive those standards is an established core that gives the Panthers a strong foundation on both sides of the ball.

Up front, hooker Adrianna Platis brings a physical edge both at the set piece and around the field, while Deirdre Studer’s work rate has made her increasingly important. Jasmine Mohtadi adds athleticism and range in the back row, and Sahara MacLean combines size and mobility with a strong presence in the lineout.

“When those four are playing with confidence and imposing themselves physically, our entire team tends to look different,” Lauzon said.

There is plenty of experience and playmaking ability behind them as well.

Paige MacLean will be counted on to help organize the attack and put UPEI in the right areas of the field. Bain provides a direct running threat, while Alanna Mabey gives the Panthers genuine pace in space. AUS all-star Rowan Gallagher remains one of the team’s biggest difference-makers, capable of influencing games as both a creator and finisher while making an impact defensively.

The competition behind that group is also growing. Several second-year players have taken significant steps, while rookies Joelle Gray, Camille Astridge, Lauren MacVicar, and Aislyn Logan-Savage have impressed in training camp and pushed themselves into conversations for meaningful roles.

“We feel we have more depth and more legitimate competition for roles,” Lauzon said. “We do not want to be a team that relies on only a handful of athletes.”

A new developmental match format should help build that depth even further.

Prior to the regular-season game, players outside the usual starting lineup will have an opportunity to play competitive minutes against the same opposition. It gives developing athletes a chance to make decisions under pressure, experience the physical demands of a match, and show they are ready for a larger role.

“It helps close the gap between being part of a roster and being ready to contribute in the AUS,” Lauzon said.

More options should also allow the Panthers to lean further into the identity Lauzon is building—high-tempo and ambitious in attack, aggressive in trying to regain possession defensively, and confident enough to take opportunities when they appear.

But after coming so close a year ago, the difference may ultimately come down to doing the simple things more consistently.

“The margins in this conference are small,” Lauzon said. “It’s not about doing anything extraordinary. It’s about doing the important things well consistently.”

Last season showed the Panthers what their ceiling can look like.

This season is about reaching it more often.

The UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers host the Saint Mary’s University Huskies for their season home opener at MacAdam Field on Saturday, September 5, at 2:00 pm. Get tickets here!