Moon Township, Pa. - The Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team was defeated this afternoon by Duquesne University, 19-6, at Joe Walton Stadium.
Sophomores Ashley Levering (Glenwood, Md. / Glenelg) and Jillian Howley (East Northport, N.Y. / Northport) recorded two goals each while Sophomores Kara Blakeley (Gibsonia, Pa. / Pine Richland) and Emily Tomlinson (Springfield, Va. / West Springfield) each tallied a goal.
Junior Meredith Milsak (Brighton, Mich. / Brighton) notched an assist in the contest.
Despite falling behind, 5-0, early in the first half, Robert Morris battled back with three goals to pull within two of the Dukes. With a little over 11 minutes to play in the half, the trio of sophomores, Levering, Howley and Blakely scored within a two minute span at 11:07, 10:28 and 9:58, forcing Duquesne to burn a timeout.
After the short stoppage, Duquesne picked up right where they left off, finishing off the half with three more goals, taking an 8-3 advantage into halftime.
The Dukes, behind an 11-point performance from Kathleen McNish, didn't let up off the offense, out-scoring the Colonials 11-3 in the second half. Levering, Tomlinson and Howley found the back of the net for Robert Morris, but the Duquesne offense proved to be too much, as the game ended with a 19-6 final.
Freshmen Erica Webb (Arnold, Md. / Broadneck) and Ashley Walsh (Fairfax Station, Va. / Lake Braddock) shared time in goal with Webb making five saves and Walsh making three.
Robert Morris was out-shot in the game 37-14 while falling in the ground ball battle, 26-16. The Colonials were 2-6 on free position attempts while the Dukes were 6-14.
Robert Morris takes to the road this weekend, traveling to Lewisburg, Pa. to take on the Bucknell Bison on March 3. Game time is set for a 3:00 p.m. start.
