The Eastern rugby team lost its fifth match in a row, losing 38-0, to Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Saturday.

The shutout loss marked the first time in the NCAA Division I era (2002-present) that Eastern has been held without a point by its opponent.

Freshman Danielle Ordway and sophomore Gabby Florez, who combined for 22 of Davenport’s 38 points, led their team past the Panthers.

Before halftime, Florez converted a try to put Davenport up 17-0.

In the second half, Davenport would add 21 more points to put Davenport up 38-0.

Florez said with the wet weather, her team had to change the way they passed.

“We tried to play a smart game,” Florez said in a press release. “We got tighter with our passing so the ball was wider out, and we didn’t have to worry about jumping for it and it slipping out of our hands.”

Florez said she noticed that the Panthers’ defense was bunched up on the side.

“We had to get the ball out fast, so their defense didn’t catch up with us,” she said.

Davenport has outscored opponents 237-5 in its first four games this season.

Eastern dropped to 0-5 on the season, while Davenport improved to 4-0.

Eastern will continue its action on Saturday when the Panthers travel to Knoxville, Tenn., to take on the Southeastern Conference’s Tennessee Volunteers at noon.

Bob Reynolds can be reached at 581-2812 or rjreynolds@eiu.edu