Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's soccer team was not without its chances and, perhaps, deserved a better fate in a 1-0 loss to Youngstown State in the 2016 season opener for both teams at North Athletic Complex Friday evening. The Colonials outshot the visiting Penguins, 14-11, but could not find the back of the net due in large part to six saves from Penguins goalkeeper Katie Montgomery.
 
The Colonials had the better opening 45 minutes of play, but the best chance of the first half came off the foot of Youngstown State's Shani Jefferson. Her volley attempt was true, but RMU starting keeper Serena Donmoyer was equal to the task and snuffed out the shot.
 
Mackenzie Shearson took over in net for Donmoyer in the second half and was sharply tested. She made key saves in the 55th and 56th minutes, but it was a great individual effort by Kyler Lum that resulted in the match's lone score. Taking a short pass from Larsen Murvin, Lum beat a trio of Colonials defenders off the dribble into the box. She then sent a left-footed shot from eight yards out past Shearson and into the right side of the net for the gamewinning goal in the 63rd minute.
 
Trailing with under 25 minutes to play, Robert Morris was denied on a pair of golden opportunities – once by Montgomery and once by the woodwork. In the 68th minute, Nicolette Casarcia sent a dipping volley that looked destined for the net before Montgomery pushed it just over the crossbar. Kristina Kelley was then fouled in the box with just under three minutes to play, giving RMU a penalty kick. Erin Ritzer's attempt was struck with pace, but found the crossbar and careened back to the 12-yard spot. A pair of rebound attempts by Kasia Bak, the last scoring chances of the game for RMU, were blocked by Penguins defenders as a scramble ensued for the errant penalty chance.
 
Montgomery recorded the clean sheet with six saves. Donmoyer had two stops and Shearson three for the host squad.
 
The Colonials return to the pitch Sunday, Aug. 21, when they host Central Michigan in a 1:00 p.m. contest at North Athletic Complex.