GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence will kick off their season against a familiar foe on Labor Day as Carroll College will make the drive up I-15 Monday afternoon for a 1:30 p.m. game at Argo Field.

The game will mark the season-opener for the Argos, who have had two exhibition games so far under their belt. Even though both teams are members of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, the game will be played as a non-conference game.

"Carroll is always a really talented side," head coach Heather Blandford said. "They're well-coached so we expect them to be well-prepared and have a really good game plan. We're familiar with them which is fun. It gives us an opportunity to get a feel for what conference is going to look like before we get there. This is a benchmark for us to see how we've done in preseason and how we're doing as a team."

The Argos have been working hard this preseason under Blandford, who was named the head coach of the program on August 4. Getting back to a normal, pre-pandemic practice schedule has been beneficial for the team as they get back into a routine. 

"This preseason looks normal, which is a great thing," Blandford said. "Getting back to a normal, pre-COVID training schedule and doing things that we weren't necessarily able to do last year has been beneficial. It's been a lot of fun of getting back into that routine."

The squad will look to improve on their 0-8 record during the shortened season last year. So far this preseason, Blandford has noticed a demeanor from the returners that is raising the level of intensity in practice.

"I think we're just scratching the surface of what our entire team is capable of," Blandford said. "It starts with the attitude and leadership of the older players and works its way down. The attitude and mindset is right where we need to be right now."

Carroll presents some challenges for the Argos. The Fighting Saints went 4-6-1 last season, and will have already played a total of three games before the team arrives on campus on Monday. The Argos meanwhile, have only had two scrimmages, thought Blandford believes the team is game-ready  and is excited to see the team compete as a unit. 

"We're excited to get back on the field," Blandford said. "There's nothing better than to be able to do it against one of our biggest rivals and a team that's always ready to go."

"We've done the preseason stuff and now we're at the phase where we're getting ready to go," she said. "Each time we step on the field we're looking to get a little bit better than we were before. Our team's attitude and mindset is right where we need it to be for these games. I'm excited to see what we're capable of."