Rugby dropped its first two home matches, but first-year coach Jessica Fritz hopes that’s a trend that will end this week.

The Panthers host Rolette-Wolford this Thursday, Sept. 16 and would like to get their first home victory of the season. The squad enjoyed great success at home in 2009, winning five of their seven matches. Fritz hopes that will continue this season, especially since the squad hosts the District 11 Tournament.

The squad is looking forward to hosting that postseason tournament, but the focus is on playing well at home now.

The match with the Comets is the beginning of a stretch of four straight at the Charles Hanneman Gymnasium, including three District 11 matches.

It’s an opportunity for the Panthers to string some wins together and build momentum – and confidence they can win on their home court.

“There is nothing like playing at home,’ Fritz said. “The crowd cheering just pumps you up. Of course you still have to play well and be sharp no mat-ter where you play.”