Niagara, N.Y.- Nov. 14, 2009 - The Robert Morris University Colonials fell to the Niagara Purple Eagles, 3-1, in their CHA opener on Saturday night at Dwyer Arena. The Purple Eagles scored the first goal of the game early in the first period and led for the remainder of play. The loss drops the Colonials to 4-7-0 overall and 0-1-0 in league play, while the Purple Eagles improve to 5-4-2 overall and 2-1-0 in the CHA.

The Purple Eagles wasted little time scoring after the initial face-off and scored just 1:07 into regulation. Jacqueline Spring found a pass from Kathleen Bortuzzo and got the puck past junior goalie Daneca Butterfield (Kronau, Saskatchewan / Notre Dame Hounds) to gain the 1-0 advantage.

For the remainder of the first period the Colonials outshot Niagara ten to six, but were unable to convert on any of their shots. However, they prevented Niagara from scoring a second time in the first period to start the second stanza down just one goal.

At 8:32 in the second period the Purple Eagles added to their lead when Spring captured her second score of the night. Christina Jablon was credited with the assist on the play.

The Colonials were able to cut into the Purple Eagle lead in the second period when Jamie Joslin (Richmond Hill, Ontario / Aurora Panthers) lit the lamp at 16:36 on a power play off assists from Brianna Delaney (Stittsville, Ontario / NCCP Raiders) and Jennifer Kindret (Winnipeg, Manitoba / BC Breakers) to set the score at 2-1.

Robert Morris fought hard in the third period to tie the game, but the Purple Eagles grabbed back their two goal lead when Caitlin Jenkins found an opening in RMU's net at 6:38. Neither team scored in the remaining minutes of the third period to give Niagara the 3-1 victory.

Both teams put off an even 18 shots with Butterfield making 15 stops and Niagara's Jenni Bauer tallying 17 saves. The Colonials were successful on one-of-six extra man advantages and held the Purple Eagles scoreless on all six of their power-play chances.

The Colonials will look to bounce back tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in game two of the series against Niagara at Dwyer Arena.