Moon Township, Pa. - The cause was worthy and the lacrosse was compelling Saturday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium, as the Robert Morris University women's team battled crosstown rival Duquesne in a "Pink Game" to close its competitive fall season.

An eight-goal first half was decisive for the visiting Dukes, who held on to win 12-11 after a tenacious RMU comeback kept the outcome in doubt until the final horn.

Putting that result aside, the afternoon was a success because of the collective spirit shown by the players, coaches and fans in support of Nancy Duffy, the mother of RMU freshman goalie Mac Duffy. Nancy is recovering from breast cancer, which inspired the Colonials program to sell pink "NancyStrong" bracelets and raffle tickets during the game, with proceeds benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

"It was really amazing," said Mac Duffy, who took over in goal for the second half. "The team came together in the locker room before the game and everyone was going crazy. (My mom) was really excited we were doing this for her. She was sorry she couldn't make it, but she was definitely here in spirit."

Both teams sported pink warm-up shirts and apparel, with the Colonials also donning bright pink shoelaces. Duffy inscribed "Nancy Strong" on her left arm as an additional tribute to her mom - and a reminder of who she was playing for.

"I've done this before," Duffy said in reference to her makeshift tattoo. "It helps me get through it. I think about my mom and all she's gone through, and I'm able to pick msyelf up and play stronger for her."

The Colonials trailed 9-4 early in the second half, but they strung together four consecutive goals to pull within one with 12 minutes to go. RMU head coach Katy Phillips said the emotion of the day may have held her team back in the first half.

"We talked at halftime about controlling what we can control," Phillips said. "We talked about fundamentals and decision-making. We also needed to take a big, deep breath. This is always a hyped game and sometimes we get out of our game. This is supposed to be an exciting event and we're supposed to have fun. We tried to give them the liberty to do that."

Although Duquesne generated enough offense to stay ahead, late-stage goals by Emily Jamison, Jessica Rutherford and Dana Davis gave the Colonials hope for a tying tally in the final minute. Kristin Yoviene paced RMU with three goals and an assist, while Jamison, Rutherford and Davis scored twice each.

Freshman midfielder Davis also set up a pair of goals in the first half, with one of those assists going to Corey Karwacki. Rhyan Bofinger earned a goal and an assist in the second half, keying the RMU rally.

"The new freshman class came together with the team and meshed really well," Duffy said. "We had a really good fall ball (season) and played our hearts out. A lot of teamwork out there."

Sophomore goalie Hallie Yancey got the start for RMU, but she didn't have much chance to hold off the early Duquesne onslaught. The Dukes possessed the ball for much of the first half and jumped to a quick 4-1 lead, partially neutralizing 2014 NCAA draw-control champion Jessica Karwacki in the process.

"Duquesne always plays a physical game and they have great strategy in any matchup that we have with them," Phillips said. "They hit us where it hurts, at the draw, and they took Jess out of her game. It took her a while to figure out how to beat (Duquesne's) Tess (Drotar) on the draw. 

"I think we struggled with how to play when we don't have possession. That's something we'll have to work on for the spring."

Since the start of the fall semester, the Colonials participated in a pair of play-day events and got to know each other during practice and team-related activities. The "Pink Game" brough the fall season to a close, although the Colonial Classic Hope for the Cure 7 v 7 youth tournament to benefit Huntington's Disease research and support will be held Sunday on campus. 

"I think we grew a lot as a team," Phillips said. "We have a championship on our mind. We've had our ups and downs this fall, but this game gave us a real vision of what we need to do for spring."

Follow the RMU women's lacrosse team on Twitter and Instagram.