Boxscore (PDF)

AMES, Iowa -- Senior Crystal Jones ran in six trys, scoring from a variety of positions on the field, as the Eastern Illinois women's rugby squad won at Iowa State, 61-5, on Saturday afternoon.  The win moves the Panthers to 3-0 on the season and extended their program-best winning streak to 19 straight.

“Crystal has demonstrated her abilities and knowledge of the game by becoming part of the offense all over the field creating match-up problems for the opposition," said EIU head coach Frank Graziano.  "Meanwhile, her speed and toughness have always been a big part of her game, it's her understanding of our offense patterns that has made her so exceptional this season. She is off to a great start.”

Newcomer Kelsi Wright, in her first start of the season, scored twice while also adding an assist, five tackles and three runs over 40 yards or more.

“Kelsi is very typical of our freshmen recruits," said Graziano.  "She's strong, tough, very athletic, a quick learner, and highly competitive. She has the ability to play several positions and when given the opportunity could deliver big performances as demonstrated in her first career start. She has a bright future and will begin to play a big role in our development this season.”

Senior Ashley Jenkins had another very solid performance, controlling the middle of the field both offensively and defensively, while also applying pressure to the opposition for control of the middle of the field.

Said Graziano, “Ashley has taken on the responsibility to make her senior year her best. Her defense in the middle is outstanding and she sets the tone for the entire defensively back line. Offensively she has all the skills, running, passing and kicking and we will continue to use her talents and toughness to create our attacking patterns.”

Ashley Aardsma scored the first try of her career off a brilliant play when the EIU forwards drove a line out maul 40 yards down the field.  That led to some quick passing down the back line, eventually feeding it to a sprinting Aardsma for the final 20 yards, whereupon she dove across the line. "That score was certainly one of our best plays of the season, which involved all 15 players on the field," Graziano said.

Chase Cain ended up setting a new single-game steals-at-tackle record with five. “Chase continues to improve challenging herself to be better each week," said Graziano.  "She has challenged her teammates as well as continuing to and give maximum effort on every play.”

Even though the Panthers were scored upon for the first time this season, Graziano said the EIU defense continued to remain solid with every player contributing several tackles apiece. "The team is doing a better job of understanding their defensive role which makes tackling an easier task," he said.  "I am very proud of our defense so far this season."

Graziano had some final observations.  "Our team progress at this point of the season is certainly beyond our initial expectations. Starting six new players and two returning freshmen in brand new positions just shows the character, effort and pride these student-athletes have for this program. They have done the work and shown great results, but we will continue to push our limits to see just how good we can be.” 

The Panthers return to action next Saturday (Sep. 26), hosting a noon contest with Wisconsin-Milwaukee at EIU's Lakeside Field.  It will mark the first-ever meeting between the two squads.

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