Panthers need to stay focused

Head coach Frank Graziano said even though everything has been perfect up to this point, the blowout victories could create a coaching dilemma.

He said he was worried about the team losing focus and will continue to coach the team on the defense in game situations.

The Panthers have not given up a point this season.

Panther’s Earning Goose Eggs

The Panthers are on a nine-game winning streak that began last October when they beat Tennessee 83-0.

This season, they have scored 333 points and have not given up a point.

Dating back to last season’s 25-0 win against Texas A & M, the Panthers scoreless streak has reached five games.

Even though the streak continues, Graziano said last week’s 60-0 win was a wake up call.

“Playing Bowling Green really taught us to play better rugby,” Graziano said.

Bowling Green held Eastern to its lowest offensive output of the year Saturday by not allowing the Panthers to their rucks, or defensive stands up the middle.

Bowling Green’s defense forced the Panthers to cut the corners and get to the outside and rely on speed.

Players moving up on all-time lists

Junior outside center Eileen O’ Rourke recorded four assists against Bowling Green and moved into fifth place all-time with 22 in her career.

Senior fly half Laura Valcore moved into sixth all-time on the tackle assists list with 18.

In the season opener against Central Michigan, sophomore wing Samantha Manto tied the single-game scoring record which is held by current assistant coach Brittany Brown.

Games getting heated, physical

Freshman lock Erin Norton said she noticed how much tougher Bowling Green was than any other team they have faced this season.

She said Bowling Green had more high tackles than other teams.

Bowling Green was also frustrated throughout the match, shouting repeated profanities.

“I’ve seen it and heard it before,” Brown said.

Brown said she didn’t make a big deal of the tackling because none of Eastern’s players were injured.