Moon Township, Pa. – Playing without the services of all-time NCAA draw-control leader Jessica Karwacki, the Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team realized Sunday's appointment with Campbell would be a different type of game.

Despite not having as much possession as usual, the Colonials wrapped up their non-conference schedule with another high-scoring performance, downing the visiting Camels 21-16 on a brisk, sunny afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium.

Emma Baukhages and Corey Karwacki buried five goals each, Kristin Yoviene had four and Dana Davis added four assists to spur RMU in a competitive battle between these first-time opponents. The Colonials have won three straight to boost their record to 7-2, the program's best ever upon entering league play.

"We've been talking about how each game is preparation for our conference stretch," said RMU head coach Katy Phillips. "Now we're there. We've got to put the pieces together and make sure we play consistently. As a full unit, we've got to make sure we have a consistent game no matter who we're playing."

Campbell, which played its third consecutive game against a Northeast Conference foe, trailed 11-3 with two minutes remaining in the first half, but rallied back with three consecutive goals before intermission. The Camels (3-7) climbed within three on a pair of occasions – including 18-15 with seven minutes to play – but RMU scored three in row to seal it.

"They were scrappy and never gave up, but we didn't take advantage of our momentum late in the first half," Phillips said. "Those three (Campbell goals at the end of the first) gave them some confidence. That's something to work on, to make sure we can handle and keep the momentum when we have it."

With draw ace Jessica Karwacki on the sideline due to a lower-body injury, the Colonials knew they would have to create possession through alternate means. They did just that with a smothering ride that led to several of RMU's 15 caused turnovers and multiple offensive chances.

"We rode really well," Phillips said after her team broke up seven of the Camels' 16 clear attempts. "That's become something our attackers and middies are pretty proud of. When the goalie got the ball, our attackers really rode hard. We created some offensive opportunities in that area that we missed from the draw."

Corey Karwacki caused a team-high four turnovers, adding to her career-best seven points (5g, 2a) to make for a well-rounded performance. The junior midfielder also paced RMU with five ground balls and eight shots. She was 2 for 2 on free-position attempts as well.

Meanwhile, senior attack Baukhages tied her career best in goals, matching the five she scored against Howard as a freshman. RMU leading scorer Kristin Yoviene kept chugging along with five total points, while Brittany Byerly matched that total with three goals and a pair of assists.

Overall, the Colonials assisted on nine of their 21 goals, frequently finding open players inside to complement their strong driving from the outside.

"We wanted our drivers up top to still have their dodges, but we wanted to use our inside people for a look as well," Phillipsa said. "We're not just a driving team, we're an assisted-goal team as well. One of our goals was to get back to that."

Davis' four assists established a new personal best. The freshman midfielder, who has won three consecutive NEC Rookie of the Week awards, also notched three draw controls. Defenders Amanda Harrington and Kristi Marks forced a pair of turnovers each to help counteract a free-wheeling Campbell attack.

"We started strong, but (Campbell is) a tough team," said sophomore defender Megan Wolfgang, who had two ground balls and controlled a pair of draws. "They knew where to place their shots, and they would shoot outside the 12(-meter line), so we had to get used to that. We couldn't lock up their hands as much as we're used to doing."

Although Campbell's 16 goals matched the most allowed by RMU this season, the Camels have scored 14 or more in four consecutive games, including an 18-5 win at Saint Francis on Friday. Junior attack Loren Day had an especially impressive performance for the visitors, scoring five goals and winning a game-high 13 draws.

Campbell had a 25-11 advantage in draw controls, making the Colonials work harder for the ball than they are accustomed to.

"It was definitely a tough one, but once we got on the attack, we could capitalize," said sophomore middie Katie Breeze, after notching her eighth goal of the season. "We knew going in it was going to be different, but we practiced without (Karwacki) in there all last week."

In goal, the Colonials split the workload between sophomore Hallie Yancey, who played the first 38 minutes to earn the win, and freshman Mackenzie Duffy. Each made four saves.

RMU hopes to be at full strength for Friday's NEC opener against Saint Francis at Joe Walton Stadium.

"There are always things to work on, but I think we're ready for conference," Wolfgang said. "It's worth something more now, since we're playing for a championship."

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