With one week left of practice to prepare for their first rugby game Saturday at 12 p.m. against the Chippewas of Central Michigan, the Panthers are pumped and raring to go.

“We are ready,” said head rugby coach Frank Graziano, “I’m quite pleased with their performance (in practice).”

Graziano believes the team is talented and finely tuned, but the first game shall reveal what the team needs to work on to be complete.

“The personalities are blending well,” said Graziano. “What we have is talented enough (to win).”

The seniors have been doing a good job, they are fit and running plays well, said Graziano.

They have been selfless helping the younger players improve said Graziano.

Katie Folliard is one of several seniors who are expected to have big seasons said Graziano.

Folliard, a senior flanker from Mchenry, is touted by coach Graziano as one of the more stronger, faster, smarter players on the team.

Folliard said she knows the game mentally now.

“I came in (this season) in shape, and I’m ready to go,” said Folliard.

Fellow senior Stephanie Rasmusen, a scrum-half, is recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the first game of the 2005 season.

She said the groups of seniors are very close and the underclassmen have a chance to make a name for themselves.

“We’re being more supportive and breaking it down for them,” said Rasmusen. “The coaches are doing a good job keeping us focused.”

Rasmusen said she wants ease her way back into going all out on the field until she feels comfortable.

Assistant coach Brittany Brown said this year’s team could be the most talented she’s ever seen.

“Practice has been excellent,” she said. “Everything’s clicking and they’re very excited.”

Having played for the Panthers for four years, Brown believes this is “a good group”.

“I’ve played with them,” said Brown “the team wants to make this one (year) count”.

Brown said leaders are starting to emerge.

One of those emerging leaders of the team is senior co-captain Lindsay Leskanich.

Leskanich said this year’s team is strong, hard working and cannot wait to get the season started.

Leskanich said she has a nervous energy about the first game of the year.

“Its an amazing feeling,” said Leskanich.

As a pregame ritual, Lindsay said she always drinks a cup of coffee before each game.

Last season’s defensive player of the year, Leskanich said she would rather go undefeated this season than to have another individual award.

“It’s an honor, but it’s not a big deal to me,” said Leskanich.