Ready to be challenged

The Panthers have started the 2006 season behind three dominating wins and now anticipate the schedule only getting tougher. Junior co-captain and outside center Eileen O’ Rourke said the season has been going fairly well.

“For the rest of the season, teams that we’re playing will be a lot tougher,” O’Rourke said. “We are definitely improving. Everyone is looking good in their new positions.”

O’ Rourke also said they are definitely going in the direction they want.

Head coach Frank Graziano believes his team will have its first real challenge of the season Saturday against Bowling Green.

“If we come out playing real well, and maybe get a couple of scores early, then maybe Bowling Green will lose some confidence,” Graziano said.

Junior tight head prop Jaki Brophy said that the team has been adapting well.

Brophy said the older players are helping the younger players out by understanding the game and getting them to shadow the older players.

Defense First

Graziano said that although the offense has been much improved on the things they work on in practice, he will not let his team forget about playing defense.

While playing club rugby at Clemson University, Graziano said he always had defensive-minded coaches, which is his mindset that he tries to bring to his team.

“How many points we score is almost irrelevant sometimes,” Graziano said. “I’ve always prided myself on being a good defender.”

Racking up points

The Panthers have been relentless on offense, scoring at will this season. This year, the Panthers have outscored their opponents’ 273-0.

“Winning a game 70 to 5 is upsetting,” said Graziano. “The first and only goal is to go out and try to get a shutout.”