CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Looking to capture their 30th straight win, Eastern Illinois women's rugby travels to Allendale, Michigan to battle Grand Valley State on Saturday (Sep. 18), with kickoff set for 10 am.

The Panthers enter the match at 3-0 on the season and have not lost a game in over two years. Thus far this season, EIU have out-scored the opposition 193 to five and last weekend, downed Notre Dame, 59-0, to notch the program's 100th victory.

“Our goal this week was to complete the development of the entire squad by giving more practice and playing time to some of the newcomers,” said head coach Frank Graziano, currently in his 12th season as Panther skipper. “We have moved some newcomers in as starters or changed their position for this game in both the scrum and lineout set-ups.

“Development to this point has been good,” said Graziano, “but we need a better evaluation in more difficult situations so the Grand Valley game will provide that opportunity.

“Heading into a difficult part of the season, Saturday's game will provide the game experience we need right now. As the Lakers are solid in all their positions, which will give us a good challenge those newcomers getting mixed in with our returning players.”

Leading the Panthers into the weekend are a nice mix of returning a newcomers. Leading all scorers with nine trys is Cara Hahne, as the freshman has scored three times in each of EIU's games this year.

A close second is sophomore Lauren Doyle with seven tries, while she leads all players with seven assists.

Defensively, Stefanie Mahan is off to a stellar sophomore season, as she has racked up 21 solo tackles and assisted on 10 more stops as well. Freshman Shelby Musselman, and sophomore Kelsi Wright have chipped in 16 and 15 solo tackles, respectively.

Senior Coartney McKinney has helped boot EIU into the win column thanks to a 19-for-31 performance in two-point conversions this season. With the addition of two trys, the Charleston native currently lead all players with 48 points on the scoreboard.

“Our senior captains (Narissa Ramirez, Coartney McKinney, and Emily Harrison will once again be asked to provide the necessary leadership to win the game at Grand Valley,” said Graziano. “Overall, the team is really looking forward to the trip up north.”

Following Saturday's game, the Panthers hit the road the following weekend, as EIU will travel to rival Northern Iowa on Sat., Sep. 25, with a noon kickoff scheduled.

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