Amid the misty and dreary rain, the women’s rugby team convened on the Lakeside rugby field Thursday to once again prepare for another game.

Outfitted in their practice grays and cleats, they go over concepts and plays time and time again to make sure when game time comes there will be no confusion. The only thing that prevails is execution of the play.

As redundant as it may sound, they still have yet to overcome the hurdle of injuries. Just as Erin Voelz, team MVP and all-around workhorse, returns from mononucleosis and Leah Creekmur returns from a fractured clavicle, Mary Archer also has a possible return from her back injury. But the team may now be missing different faces.

Allison Urbanski might have mononucleosis; Jessica Conrad may have strep throat; Corey Walker has a torn miniscious, but may see playing time Saturday and Karissa Berg tore her ACL, MCL, and miniscus. Berg is out for the season but may not need surgery.

“We got a couple back as some were going out,” Graziano said. “We probably have no net gain because we just traded players with the same talents, like speed players for speed players.

“I’d like to think that I put the right people in the right spot, but when injuries come, you have to be a little creative,” Graziano said. “With a roster of only 30 or so, the team only goes one player deep per position. You are bound to have to make adjustments.

“I still feel that we can do well against Indiana University,” Graziano said. “Unfortunately, injuries are just the nature of sports.”

The Panthers (1-3) travel to Indiana with a roster of only 17 players, but the addition of Voelz will definitely have a positive impact on the team’s performance.

“The practice atmosphere has been lifted,” Walker said. “Erin really perks up the attitude.”

The team is excited to have their captain back, Graziano says. It has put a bounce back in their step.

In response to the team’s adulation after her return she said, “I’m just excited to play, finally.”

Eastern has not relinquished a point against the Hoosiers in the last two and have only lost to one Big Ten school, University of Illinois, since Graziano took over the team.

“I would like to imagine that they have improved since the last time we have played them.” Graziano said.

This weekend is Indiana’s Homecoming, and the noon game will run over the kickoff of the football game.

“First, you think they would want to get as many students to go to the game. Second, it is silly to have the game on Saturday when both schools are have their Homecoming,” Walker said.

“We want to upset them on their field, on their Homecoming game,” Walker said.