AIC Edges SHU, and the NIRA Standings are in Turmoil

10.18.2026College Women

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AIC moves to 2-1 in playoff-relevant games.

Author: Alex Goff

AIC's dramatic 33-32 win over Sacred Heart has put the Pioneers in a very difficult position in a search for a playoff spot.

At the same time, AIC has new life for a semifinal question.

This was a wild, back-and-forth game that was wild before it was even played, as it was moved from Friday at SHU to Sundat at AIC. SHU scored very early through Sam Melvin but Naomi Dodd's try answered that. And it went like that. Maria-Jean Paulino sped in for SHU, then AIC scored with Queri Beuter going over.

SHU ended the first half with two tries, one from Viola Koning and another from Paulino. SHU led 20-12 at the break.
But not for long as Emerson Callegari's try (along with Camryn Henderson's conversion) put the Yellowjackets within a point.

With 13 minutes to go, Ella Huntley's try made it 25-19. But AIC had an opening. Mahina Hafoka scored and Henderson's conversion put AIC ahead for the first time at 26-25. Back came Koning for SHU, with a try and the conversion for the lead with seven minutes left.

It was enough time. AIC camped out in the SHU end, almost scored from a maul, got a scrum, and a flat pass to Dodd saw the center slice back against the grain to score. Henderson nailed the kick and AIC closed it out.

That result put AIC at 2-1. They have Harvard (winners vs Lindenwood and undefeated) in two weeks and then Queens. If they follow form that would put AIC at 3-2.

Also winners this week were Brown, beating Queens. That put Brown at 2-2 with just their Halloween meeting with Dartmouth left. That could become a must-win for both of those teams.

Dartmoiuth first has to get through a wounded Sacred Heart team that has lost three games by a total of 10 points, and all by a try or less. The Pioneers' strength of schedule helps but it doesn't paper over all the cracks. They need a W, and they will need it against Dartmouth. Do that, and 2-3 or not, the Pioneers just might have done enough to get to the top four.

So when we're talking about the semifinals, Harvard is pretty much in, and almost certainly the #1 seed.
Then it's a wild rush for the other three semifinal spots. If Army beats Lindenwood at West Point, something they absolutely can do, the Black Knights should be in the semis.

Dartmouth can probably survive a loss to Sacred Heart, as long as they beat Brown. If all of that happens, then AIC can make the playoffs. But many other things can happen. Sacred Heart can pip the Yellowjackets if they upend Dartmouth, so there are many questions still to be answered.