GREAT FALLS, MONT. -- The University of Providence women's soccer program opens their season with Rocky Mountain College in a nonconference match up on Aug. 17 at Argo Field.

Head coach Heather Blandford enters her third season at the helm of the UP-soccer program and is joined on the staff by second year assistant coach Lindsay Smith and first year coach Kate Sisler. When asked about the start of their season Blandford stated, "I'm excited to see what this team can do. We have a tremendous amount of talent, and they are ready to make a statement."

Looking into 2023 the Argos will return five key contributors from last season's team. Seniors Grace Hipke, Julia Tilton, and Reilyn Davis will look to lead a young team to compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference this season. Sophomores Ernestina S. Ofori and Dani Waialeale took 30% of the shots for the Argos last season and will look to improve upon that this upcoming year. Waialeale leads all returners with 24 shots and five points in her 2022 campaign.

The Argos brought in 10 newcomers to help provide a spark at needed positions. Regarding her roster Blandford said "We have a good mix of newcomers and returners. The balance of leadership and young talent puts us in a really exciting spot, and I look forward to watching this team grow as the season progresses."

The matchup versus Rocky Mountain College will be the first true test for the Argos after finishing 0-1-1 against them in the 2022 season. The Argos are looking to flip the script this year and secure their first victory against the Battlin' Bears since 2016.