Boxscore (PDF)

MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Eastern Illinois women's rugby squad cruised to a 90-0 season-opening win at Ball State on Saturday afternoon, as the Panthers opened up a 61-0 half-time enroute to improving a program high current win streak of 17 straight victories.

"Very nice way to open the season, especially with so many newcomers," said head coach Frank Graziano.  "The team played with solid team defense today, only allowing the Cardinals to enter our half of the field once."

An amazing eight different Panthers earned at least one try in the win, including a couple of newcomers notching a five-point run-in.  Senior wing Crystal Jones led the squad with four five-point trys, followed by two apiece via fellow senior Stephanie Militello and sophomore scrum-half Narissa Ramirez.  

Freshmen Lauren Doyle, Kayla Heal and Kelsi Wright each picked up their first-ever trys in a Panther uniform, with Doyle recording two and Heal and Wright with one apiece.  Also scoring a try for the Panthers was senior center Ashley Jenkins and junior prop Anne Schnura.

Ramirez led with four assists on the day, with junior Coartney McKinney dishing out three and Militello two.  Jenkins, Doyle and fellow junior Emily Harrison each finished with an assist each.

McKinney kicked her way to a 9 of 14 two-point conversion total.  

Coach Graziano said one highlight was the defensive play by senior Chase Cain.  "Chase was all over the field today, earning tackle after tackle," he said.  The senior tallied 19 total solo tackles, which marks as the third highest single-game tackle mark, tying teammate Stephanie Militello's total from a 2006 contest with Indiana.

The Panthers will now prepare for the squad's home opener next Saturday, hosting a noon contest versus Grand Valley State at Lakeside Rugby Field.

Graziano on the Season-Opening Win at Ball State ...

... Excellent performance and leadership by our 4 seniors.

... Ashley Jenkins' hard running and timely downfield kicking was crucial to offensive momentum.  While defensively, Chase Cain made tackles all over the field recording 19 solo tackles which is near the single game record.  Stephanie Militello was able to focus more on offense as the team defense was solid, providing the extra player on key offensivee plays.

... Crystal Jones used her speed and evasive running style to open up our offense attack, and freshmen Kelsi Wright (1), Lauren Doyle (2) and Kayla Heal (1) each scored their first Trys of their careers in their first game.

... Emily Harrison recorded her first assist of her career and took on greater responsibility in the lineouts.

... Anne Schnura also recorded her first Try of her career and her lineout throws were excellent, allowing us to dominate lineout possession.  Was an excellent game for her playing in a new position - hooker.

... Coartney McKinney went 10 for 13 in conversions making some very difficult kicks from some tough angles. She also had a good first game at flyhalf, running the offense.

..,. Team defense was excellent for the first game as Ball State only moved the ball inside our own 25-yard line just once, and never threatened our goal line. Our tackling was better than expected.

... Narissa Ramirez was the key link between forwards and backs and her decision making on attacks was excellent. This was a good start for the new combination of Ramirez/McKinney.

... Next week versus Grand Valley State will be quite a challenge, as they are one of the best Division II schools in the nation.

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