After starting the season with only two trys, sophomore center Madison Kissner has exploded for 15 trys in the last two games.

Ten of those trys came against Kansas State last weekend when Eastern defeated the Wildcats 121-0.

“Saturday I just seemed to find the holes that coach had been trying to get me to go through all year,” Kissner said. “Carissa (Burge) helped a lot by drawing defenders and putting me through the holes in the defense for easy trys.”

Burge also had her hand in the win with four trys, while at the same time opening up holes for Kissner to run through. Burge helped Kissner by dishing out a program-record eight assists.

Kissner had her fair share of records, setting three new marks in the midst of her breakout performance. The 10 trys from the last game bested the previous record of eight trys that was first set by Crystal Jones in 2006. The double-digit trys put her at 17 for the year, 13 more than she had all of last season.

“It’s an honor to be ranked with the best alumni and former teammates,” Kissner said. “I couldn’t have had such a good game without my teammates, though. They set me up for big runs.”

Twelve of her runs went for 20 yards or more, which surpassed the old mark of seven that Olympic-hopeful Lauren Doyle set in the game against Western Kentucky on Oct. 13.

Kissner’s 50-point effort cemented herself in Eastern rugby history as well, but Kissner said she believes that the team has improved, not just one player.

With the team facing off against Lindenwood Thursday, the team will look to continue its success.

“Last weekend, I believe, was a total confidence-booster for our team that we can execute what coach has asked of us,” Kissner said. “We have finally all found our spot and our roles on the team, and my confidence as a scorer for this team has gone up.”

Nicholas Ruffolo can be reached at 581-2812 or nfruffolo@eiu.edu.