The women’s rugby team is gearing up for a big game this weekend against the University of Illinois, one of the top rugby clubs in the country.

The Panthers are coming off their first NCAA sponsored season and had a very productive year. They have a strong core of juniors on the team and are led by senior Kate Taake.

The majority of those veteran leaders came into Eastern without ever before picking up a rugby ball. Therefore, joining the Eastern rugby program with little or no experience is the norm.

The Panthers have a strong freshman class this year led by Marlise Davidson who will be starting this weekend against Illinois. Robin Harris will also be getting significant playing time off the bench. Both are still trying to pick up the basics before their first match.

“All five freshman have performed quite well in preseason camp,” head coach Frank Graziano said. “Our veteran players have responded as leaders because they remember what it is like to learning a new game, we expect all five freshman to be on the field after this weekend.”

According to Graziano, most high schools do not have rugby programs, so it is a long and strenuous process recruiting girls to join a new sport.

“We pretty much just look for good athletes that are interested in playing and have the potential to flourish in a new sport at the college level,” Graziano said.

Davidson came in knowing a few things about rugby. Her father is a rugby coach so she has a little bit of experience playing.

She credits the older players for being helpful and patient with her and the rest of the freshman.

“I’m still trying to grasp where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing at times,” Davidson said. “I need to learn the plays and get comfortable working with new people, but I think we’ll be ready for this weekend.”

Davidson is a multi-sport athlete and will also be swimming and possibly running track for Eastern this year.

Harris is also a great athlete who is adjusting to a new game. Harris finished seventh in the state in high school shot put.

“All the freshman are right where we want them to be,” Graziano said. “They just need to work on the footwork, balance and hand eye coordination but they are all competitive and willing to learn so we are not worried.”