Moon Township, Pa. - On Saturday afternoon, the Robert Morris University field hockey team kicked off the 2009 season against the Bears of Missouri State.  Missouri State put forth a potent offensive attack as they defeated the Colonials, 7-1.

In the first half, Missouri State tallied four goals on 11 shots.  Senior Alyssa Hile scored two of the four goals for the Bears in the opening period of play.  Missouri State continued the scoring frenzy in the second period with three additional goals. 

The Colonials lone score of the afternoon came as a result of penalty corner.  Sophomore Chantele Crow (Dauphin, Pa. / Central Dauphin) found senior Jessica Charles (Lancaster, Pa. / Lampeter-Strasburg)  midway through the second to notch her first goal of the year.

Junior Stephanie Seeley (Louisville, Ky. / Ballard) made the start in goal and gave up five scores while making nine saves in just over 56 minutes of play.  Freshman Paige Neat (Louisville, Ky. / Christian Academy) saw the remainder of time in cage while she allowed two goals and made two stops.

The Colonials (0-1-0 ; 0-0-0 NEC) will play a neutral site game at Missouri State tomorrow afternoon when they face St. Louis University at noon.