Boxscore (PDF)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois women's rugby soundly defeated the Ohio State University, 108-3, on Saturday afternoon as junior Samantha Manto ran in six trys to lead all players.  The win snapped a program rare two-game losing streak to improve the Panthers to 3-2 overall.

Sophomore Crystal Jones added five trys of her own as well as assisting on three as EIU took a commanding 58-3 halftime lead.  Also scoring a try for EIU was Emma Cannoy, Ashley Jenkins, Victoria Rosales, Jaki Brophy, and Molly Clutter, while Stephanie Militello ran in two.

"Our goal for this game was to open up the attack more," said EIU head coach Frank Graziano.  "It was nice to see some of the players begin to understand the concept and move the ball around today.  But the aspect of the game I am most proud of is that we didn't panic went we went down a player or two, which we did not handle well at Indiana. While we did start the game with 15 we played most of the first half down two players and the entire second half down a player and our attack and defense did not suffer at all."

Junior Victoria Rosales converted nine out of her 18 conversions on the day and Graziano could not have asked more of Rosales in the win.  "Victoria had her best game thus far, not only in the kicking game, but also in support around the field by working with both the backs and forwards."

The Panthers had a huge lead in scrums won at 18-4 over the Buckeyes.  Ohio State led 13-11 in line-outs and unofficially held a close 40-39 advantage for total team tackles.  However, OSU did commit four more penalties then EIU, 20-16, unofficially.

Graziano also had praise for Chase Cain, "Chase played her best game of the year, making herself available to receive key passes and hustling down the field to place us in an excellent attacking position. She also made tackle after tackle the entire game. Chase makes an excellent partner to Stephanie Militello and the two are learning to work together in key situations."

Graziano said that he ended up moving most of the team into new positions in the game, with only one back in the same position from the Indiana game.  "Amanda Fromm actually played both prop and flyhalf at the same time and she did an excellent job moving from prop to flyhalf at every opportunity to lead the back attack.  Her decision making just keeps improving each week and this was her best performance of the season by far."

The lone score for the Buckeyes was from #12 (Wilson), who nailed a penalty kick conversion 29 minutes into the contest.

EIU hits the road for two consecutive weekends, traveling first to Oregon on October 12 and then returning to the midwest for a rematch at Purdue on October 19.  The Panthers' final home contest will be on Saturday, October 27 versus Eastern Kentucky at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Rugby Field.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID