The Eastern women’s rugby team continued its undefeated season Wednesday as they beat Clemson 63-0.

The Panthers are now faced with a tough matchup as they play a difficult North Carolina team at Clemson, S.C. The game starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Eastern (9-0) needs one more victory to accomplish its goal of going undefeated – their first time since 2002.

Head coach Frank Graziano said he does not see any problems with the Panthers intensity wearing down.

“The team is feeling very confident,” Graziano said. “There is no motivation needed at all. They are geared into go undefeated, and that’s their focus. They worked very hard to go undefeated.”

The game will be on short day’s rest. It will be the Panthers’ shortest break of the season, but Graziano said he thinks that might be a good thing as it will give them less time to think about how a perfect season is on the line.

“The seniors know that this is the end of their career, and they will be ready,” Graziano said. “I don’t think I’m going to have to do much coaching in the next couple days.”

Although the game is at a neutral site, the Panthers have had the opportunity to practice on the game field for a couple of days after playing Clemson on Wednesday. The game will also be only the second time the Panthers have played under the lights. Graziano said he believes the team enjoys playing night games because they practice under the lights of O’Brien Stadium every Tuesday.

Eastern junior flanker Stephanie Militello might play against the Tar Heels after missing the last three games with a leg injury. She leads the team in tackles.

Bob Shaughnessy can be reached at 581-7944 or at rrshaughnessy@eiu.edu.