Pittsburgh, Pa. ? The Robert Morris University women's ice hockey team rallied from an early one-goal deficit to defeat the Clarkson Golden Knights, 3-1, and pick up their first victory of the year at the RMU Island Sports Center Friday night.

Clarkson came into tonight's game unbeaten at 3-0-1 and were receiving votes in the most recent USCHO.com National Poll.

Debuting in their new alternate red jerseys, the Colonials (1-3-0) got off to a sluggish start falling behind early in the first period. Clarkson's Jessica Cloutier got the Golden Knights on the board, redirecting a shot from classmate Rebecca Gordon on the left side of the net for the 1-0 advantage at 3:35.

After a tough first period, RMU kicked off the rust and got down to business, scoring three unanswered goals through the remaining periods.

Sophomore Chelsea Walkland (Pittsford, N.Y. / Rochester Edge) tied the game late into the second period. Walkland took a pass in front of the net and buried it over the head of the Clarkson goaltender at 14:11. Assists were credited to sophomore Jessica Riley (Hamilton, Ontario / Stoney Creek Sabres) and sophomore Jordan Riley (Hamilton, Ontario / Stoney Creek Sabres).

Junior Alissa Dorman (Madison, Wisc. / Madison Capitals) gave the Colonials a 2-1 edge midway through the third period. Freshman Maria Stoa (Bloomington, Minn. / Eden Prairie) fed a pass to Dorman on the blue-line who sent it sailing through heavy traffic for the eventual game-winner at the 8:39 mark.

From that point on, Robert Morris kept the Golden Knights in line with some stellar team defense and solid play from junior goaltender Brianne McLaughlin (Sheffield Village, Oh. / Ohio Flames).

With the one goal lead and time winding down, RMU looked to cap on some insurance. Junior Kathryn Traynor (Toronto, Ontario / Toronto Jr. Aeros) scored the Colonials' third goal of the game off a rebound from the right side of the net with less than six minutes to play. Senior Maria Olausson (Copenhagen, Denmark / Danish National Team) and sophomore Mallory Giambra (Rochester, N.Y. / Rochester Edge) helped in the play.

McLaughlin played 59:26 while making 25 saves to earn her first victory of the season.

Clarkson held the advantage in shots, 26-18 while both teams were shut-out on the power-play.

The Colonials host Clarkson for game two of the series, Saturday, Oct. 20, at RMU Island Sports Center. Face-off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.