Rugby team ready for fall season
A program on the brink of extinction, women’s rugby takes to the pitch for the 2012 season with a new form of motivation.
It will look to hang on to its funding and prove to the Athletic Board that the campus needs its women’s rugby team.
It is hard to build on an undefeated season; but the women’s rugby squad will try to improve this time around.
This season features a shortened schedule with only two home games.
Lauren Doyle, the reigning leading scorer, returns for her senior season in which she looks to go out with a bang.
Doyle boasts a team-high in trys (20), runs over 20-yards (25) and points (170) from the 2011 season.
After leading the rugby squad in points over her first three seasons, she currently ranks second on the all-time list behind Samantha Manto.
If she continues her success, she could be among the all-time greats in NCAA Division 1 Women’s Rugby.
Although she is currently out with an injury, Stefanie Mahan continues to impress with her defensive efforts.
Her 2011 season included a team-high in tackles (68) and assisted tackles (19), along with strong consideration for her second straight Outstanding Defensive Award. Her 181 career tackles rank third on the all-time list, trailing Chase Cain by 70.
Nia Williams returns from a breakout season in her first year as the player to watch this season.
She has the skill-set to put up big numbers, and the tools to make a run for most improved player.
Williams boasts an athletic build combined with paralleled elusiveness and speed.
Look for Nia Williams to draw some attention in the upcoming season.
The game to watch is Eastern vs. Quinnipiac Sept. 1.
Not only is Quinnipiac the only other Division I women’s rugby squad in the nation, but this is the season and home opener for the Panthers.
It will be interesting to see how Coach Graziano and the team will respond to a shortened schedule and an injury to a key performer.
The Panthers will open up the regular season on Saturday against Quinnipiac. The game is slated to start at 1 p.m. at Lakeside Field.
Nick Ruffolo can
be reached at 581-2812
