Pittsburgh, Pa.  ? Oct. 1, 2008 ? The Robert Morris University Colonials, led by sixth-year head coach Rob Thomas, suffered a disappointing 1-3 loss to cross-town rival Duquesne.

The way the Colonials started the match made it look like it was going to be an easy win, as the Colonials downed the Dukes 25-14 in the first set, hitting .333 to Duquesne's .032. However, Duquesne came back in the second with a lot more fire power. The Colonials lost their edge with some tough serving by the Dukes and a few errors on their side and gave Duquesne the 25-20 victory.

In set three, Robert Morris started off making it look like it was going to be another easy win being up at one point 19-12. Unfortunately, the Dukes were able to rally their way back into the set and came away with the 26-24 triumph.

Duquesne entered set four with a lot of momentum, and although the Colonials stayed with them the entire set, they were never able to take over the lead. Duquesne took set four 25-21, giving them the match win.

Leading the way for the Colonials were middle blockers Hannah Veith (Columbus, Ohio / Worthington) and Amanda Graham (Melbourne, Fla. / Eau Gallie). Veith finished the match with 10 kills on .381 hitting and added three blocks, while Graham put down another 10 kills on a .320 average and a team high six blocks.

Freshman setter Alyssa Bennett (Ramona, Calif. / Ramona) led the defense with 12 digs, while adding 32 assists and two blocks. Seniors Emily Wolthuis (Byron Center, Mich. / South Christian), Cassie Lee (Vista, Calif. / Vista) and Alaina Gibson (Muncie, Ind. / Muncie Burris) each contributed nine digs each.

The 10-6 Colonials will return home on Saturday, Oct. 4 for the start of conference play against St. Francis (N.Y.) at 11:00 a.m. and will face Bryant at 5:00 p.m. in a non-conference match-up.