Pre-Game Release (PDF)
CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Having already opened the 2010 campaign with two consecutive road wins, the Eastern Illinois women's rugby squad is set to host Notre Dame in Sunday's (Sep. 12) home opener, with kickoff scheduled for 3 pm at Lakeside Rugby Field.
Panthers (2-0) will look to notch the 100th win in women's rugby program history as the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and EIU Panthers meet on the rugby field for the first-time ever.
QUOTING COACH GRAZIANO ...
“We are playing much better between the two games, which is actually normal, as they were able to evaluate themselves after the first game. Our week's practice prior to Purdue was very specific to not only the team but also each player individually and they came out and played very well against the Boilermakers on Tuesday. It is nice to see each individual making some gains in their personal development, which only allows the team to play better.
“Purdue was definitely stiffer competition than Ball State was, and their five-point try caught us napping, which will look very obvious on the game video once the players see it. Newcomer
Cara Hahne is doing really well. She's filling in for
Crystal Jones' old spot and is off to a very good start. Also some very nice surprises from
Molly Romine, who had an excellent game, while
Alissa Patient made nice progress versus Purdue as well.
“Defensively,
Stefanie Mahan and Kelsey Wright are our two standouts right now. Kelsey had a great game against Purdue. Her and
Narissa Ramirez are making a nice combo on the field.
“
Coartney McKinney didn't kick that all that great yesterday, but ran the ball very well. Her kicking game was solid, but due to the swirling winds and position of the ball for the conversion made her just barely miss some kicks that she normally would have hit.
GOING FOR WIN NUMBER 100 ...
If the Panthers are able to pick up their 29th consecutive win versus Notre Dame on Sunday, it will also mark the 100th victory in EIU rugby program history. Eastern heads into the afternoon battle with an all-time record of 99-19 (76-6 during the NCAA Division I season). Coach Graziano has been around for all but ten of those wins.
NUMBERS OF NOTE ...
• 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 4,772 to 439 point margin.
... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID
