There are two NCAA Division-I women’s rugby teams in the nation, and Quinnipiac is one of them.

The Panthers take on their most formidable competition Saturday at Lakeside Field.

After posting a 10-0 record last season, Eastern will look to start off this season with a win in the home opener.

Although a few key players from last year’s team are missing after to graduation, Eastern head coach Frank Graziano is optimistic about this upcoming season.

“I won’t know what kind of a result we will produce until we get onto the field, but I’m excited,” Graziano said. “The girls are excited about facing Quinnipiac. It’s always fun.”

This is the fourth matchup between the two teams, with Eastern taking the first three by a combined score of 123-8.

Rebecca Carlson, a former Eastern rugby alum, and former assistant coach to Graziano, will be guiding the Bobcats through her second season as head coach.

Carlson has a colorful history with the Panthers, finishing her last game as an Eastern rugby player in 2003. Her coaching career includes an assistant coach position under Graziano from 2004-06.

“We are connected with them because of Coach Carlson and Coach (Michelle) Reid,” Graziano said. “Anytime I get to play against my former players and former coaches it’s just a treat for me.”

Quinnipiac assistant coach Michelle Reid also has connections to Eastern as a student in 2000, and as an assistant coach from 2002-04.

From the coaches to the players, the Panthers have a lot to look forward to not only in the first game, but also for the season.

Although the reigning leading scorer Lauren Doyle is red-shirting, the team still has many players ready to fill her place.

Sophomore Nia Williams will have to pick up her scoring from last year, starting with Quinnipiac. Look for the Panthers to have a heavy dose of her and a heavy dose of sophomore Carissa Burge on defense. Burge will also be kicking the 2-point conversion for Eastern in Doyle’s absence.

Another player that will be missing from action will be senior Stefanie Mahan. After suffering a facial injury during last week’s scrimmage, Mahan will sit out the season opener. She is expected to return next week against the Wisconsin All-Stars.

“She’s fine,” coach Graziano said. “She was out jogging today and I expect her to play next week in Wisconsin.”

Game time for the Panthers is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Field.

Nicholas Ruffolo can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].