Ruggers ruck revenge on Buckeyes

By: Marc Correnti/ Staff Reporter

Posted: 10/18/05

Before Sunday's women's rugby game at Ohio State, Eastern coach Frank Graziano looked into the eyes of his players and knew something about this game was unlike the first six.

Graziano noticed a certain intensity in his player's faces - especially the seniors - as Eastern (6-1) got redemption in knocking off the Buckeyes

12-0.

In last year's 15-7 loss to Ohio State, Graziano stated that his team was impatient and lacked poise and that the Buckeyes were the team that controlled the tempo.

It was just the opposite on Sunday as the Panthers were the ones with the composure as Ohio State succumbed to goal-line stops by the Panthers' defense.

Ohio State marched to Eastern's goal line in the first two minutes, but came up empty in trying to secure the lead.

"They were down at our end at least two or four times in the opening minutes," Graziano said. "We wouldn't let them in. I've never seen our girls more determined than they were in those situations."

Graziano said the wind played a factor for each team as neither scored against the wind.

"It was impossible to kick out there," he said. "No matter if we stopped them on the goal line and we kicked the ball, it wouldn't go far because of how strong the wind was. I was glad to switch fields at halftime."

In a game in where the Panther's seniors were looking to avenge their lone defeat from last year, it was speedy freshman wing Sam Manto that provided the boost and points for the Panther's offense.

After being tied 0-0 at halftime, Manto opened the second half with her team-leading 16th try of the season to put the Panthers in the lead. She tacked on her 17th try at the 18-minute mark that gave Eastern breathing room and its final margin of victory.

"She was amazing on her runs," Graziano said. "Once she turns the corner, it's impossible to stop her. Her speed is unparallel at this level."

With the win, the Panthers have a week off before preparing for an Oct. 29 home game against Oklahoma. Graziano said the Panthers will use their downtime to "heal some minor bumps and bruises and to prepare for the final three games."

Even though the Panthers finished 2-1 on their road trip that included an impressive victory on Sunday, Graziano feels that his team is still not where it should be.

"We haven't played up to our capabilities yet," he said."I'd like to see how good we are when we play to our potential. That could be scary."