GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - On September 13th, the Panthers hosted West Chester for their first conference game of the season. Right off the kickoff, the Rams committed a knock-on, giving the Panthers early possession and a chance to showcase their offensive power. After the opening scrum, the back line struck with pace and precision as Cece Stowers offloaded to Marla Aymond, who finished with her first try of the match.

This game also highlighted the Panthers' versatility, with several players stepping into new positions while still delivering standout performances. One name that shined was Merary Ulloa-Uribe, a transfer from Central Washington, who made her mark at fly-half. Connecting forwards and backs seamlessly, Ulloa-Uribe not only managed the field with confidence, but also crossed the try line for the Panthers' second score.

Another standout was junior Jean-Marie Gaines, a vital part of the forward pack. Playing both prop and lock, Gaines consistently poached possession, made key tackles, and kept the defensive line solid throughout the match. By halftime, the Panthers led 24–0, but they weren't done. They continued to dominate in the second half, piling on more points with relentless energy. West Chester managed to break through in the final five minutes for their only try of the match, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. The Panthers secured an emphatic 57–7 victory, marking their first conference win and third overall of the season.

Next up: the Panthers face Penn State at home on Saturday at 10 a.m.—a match that will also honor this year's seniors in their final season. Don't miss it!

Scores:

• Leilani Lepe 1 try and 6 conversions (17 points)
• Marla Aymond 3 tries (15 points)
• Kara Higgins 1 try (5 points)
• Merary Ulloa-Uribe 1 try (5 points)
• Jean-Marie Gaines 1 try (5 points)
• Cece Stowers 1 try (5 points)