Going into the week, head coach Jeff Horton spoke about being more of an attacking team and focusing on fundamentals. That’s exactly what the Flashes did today in their 42-19 victory over the Panthers in Pittsburgh.

“We wanted to get back to basics and execute the fundamentals of rugby at the level we are accustomed to,” Horton said. “Our main theme throughout the week was focus: Don’t worry about the stuff you can’t control and minimize our mental errors.”

The Flashes (1-1) communicated effectively and spread the ball around according to sophomore fullback Colleen Carroll.

“Our backs did a good job of spreading the ball wide and our forwards played with such great intensity,” Carroll said. “We came up hard, fast, exploited their mistakes and didn’t quit until the final whistle blew.”

Communication issues plagued the team in its first game. That was corrected in this game Carroll said.

“We had a lot better focus in this game,” Carroll said. “We worked together as a team, communicating well and supporting each other.”

The Flashes were able to overcome the Panthers physical playing style early on and that led to them controlling the game Horton said.

“Once our team became settled, we were able to control the pace of play relatively well,” Horton said. “Our forwards did a great job of helping the team maintain possession of the ball, (and) forcing turnovers as well.”

The earlier matchup was the Flashes’ B-side, which is composed of less-experienced and new players, also won their matchup against the Panthers, 26-10.

It was a solid win for Flashes’ rugby on Saturday.

Their next contest will be against MAC opponent Bowling Green State University on Sunday in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Kyle Samec is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].