Pre-Game Release (PDF)

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Eastern Illinois women's rugby squad will take their program-high 26-game winning streak, and consecutive undefeated seasons, on the road as the Panthers open the 2010 slate at Ball State on Wednesday afternoon.  Kickoff is set for 4 pm (CDT/CST).

PRE-GAME NOTES ...
... Last season, EIU blanked the Cardinals, 90-0, while in 2008, the Panthers ran past the Muncie, Ind. squad, 112-3 at home.

... The Panthers are 3-0 all-time versus Ball State, having also won a 2002 meeting on neutral territory with Eastern winning, 81-0.

... Since 2002, when EIU joined the NCAA ranks, the Panthers have only lost to six opponents -- 35-5 to Penn State in 2003; 15-7 to Ohio State in 2004; 29-10 at Virginia in 2005; 27-12 vs. Texas A&M in 2007; and the last two losses back in 2008 -- a 20-19 heartbreaker to West Chester, followed by a 41-14 setback the following week at Indiana.



... Also since 2002, EIU has outscored the opposition by a blistering margin of 4,638 to 434. That scoring margin ultimately gives the Panthers an average winning score of 58-5 during the NCAA Division I seasons.

QUOTING COACH GRAZIANO ...
“This has been an excellent preseason and entering my 12th season, I can honestly say that our camp was one of our bests,” said head coach Frank Graziano. “We had good weather, the girls all came in physically, mentally and emotionally in good condition, which always makes for a very successful camp. Plus everyone is healthy. After our lengthy camp and practice slate the squad is eager to compete and show what they have learned. Plus will give us a chance to find out what our deficiencies might be at this point. The game film from the opening match will be the benchmark for the whole season, for what we have learned and have not learned. It is always easy to call a play in practice, but we need to see if they can actually execute it during a game. One thing I'm really looking forward to is allowing all the new players to get their first experience on the field. It is crucial for their success that they be able to work through the first game.”

QUICK LOOK AT BALL STATE...
Wednesday's game will also be the season opener for Ball State as well. “We enjoy playing them as it is always a good way to start off the season for both teams,” said Graziano. “Ball State typically has a bunch of new players that he'll be trying to rotate in, which is the same on our end as well. So everyone should get a good bit of playing time.”

13 RETURNERS LEAD SQUAD ...
The 2010 squad will be led by seniors Emily Harrison, Coartney McKinney and Kristy Young.

The returning junior and sophomore classes, who have yet to lose a game in a Panther uniform, includes juniors Tina Crema, Mandie Hurd, Jazmine Moore, and Narissa Ramirez, while a large sophomore contingent includes Ashley Aardsma, Lauren Doyle, Kayla Heal, Stefanie Mahan, Sarah Sremaniak, and Kelsi Wright.

NINE NEWCOMERS READY TO GO ...
Nine newcomers, one of the largest incoming Panther classes in program history, will be getting their first taste of intercollegiate rugby as sophomores Alisha Donner and Alissa Patient join seven true freshmen -- Katelyn Berkner, Emily Chapman, Emily Chosewood, Jordan Connelly, Cara Hahne, Shelby Musselman, and Molly Romine.

“This is a good recruiting class, but although they are very talented they also have virtually no rugby experience,” Graziano said. “So it will definitely take them several games to get a feel for their position and to learn what they can and cannot do on the field. They are a very eager, enthusiastic and excited bunch. They enjoy learning the game, but will obviously have some first-game nerves to work through on Wednesday.”

AND 2010 TEAM CAPTAINS ARE ...
Seniors Coartney McKinney and Emily Harrison have been tabbed co-captains for the first time in their career, joining junior Narissa Ramirez, who is a captain for the second straight season. Each will be easily identified as all three team captains will sport a big 'C' on their uniform.

“Emily had great summer and preseason and has definitely earned the spot. She will be responsible for making all the calls and adjustments. She will receive all the play calls from me for the forwards where she will then make sure everyone is in the right spot and ready to go,” said Graziano.

NEW FACES ON PANTHER STAFF ...
Returning all-star Panther, Crystal Jones, returns to the program as a volunteer student assistant coach. Joining her will be student managers Anne Schnura and Tasha Buchmiller, who previously were members of the team the last couple of seasons.

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