Fort Myers, Fla. / FGCU Soccer Complex - The Robert Morris University women's soccer team is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2008 and just the third time in team history following a 3-1 victory against Eastern Washington. The win came at the Fifth Annual Embassy Suites Kick-off Classic hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University where RMU also knocked off Syracuse, 1-0, Friday.
Unlike Friday when RMU took 50 minutes to score, the Colonials got off to a quick start Sunday morning. Freshmen Brittany Rowe (Markham, Ontario / Milliken Mills) played a corner kick directly to the head of senior Rachel Sebbens (Irwin, Pa. / Greensburg Central Catholic). The forward didn't miss her first chance of the season, beating Jamie Walker for a 1-0 RMU lead in the fifth minute of play.
The Eagles (0-2) answered in the 13th minute when Kirsten Fausko scored from just inside the 18-yard box following a through-ball by Dashia Huff. The score remained knotted at 1-1 through halftime as each team recorded five shots.
Senior Jess Sharik (North Huntington, Pa. / Norwin) erased the tie in the 66th minute, scoring on an assist by sophomore Leah Prentice (Gaithersburg, Md. / Quince Orchard). Senior Ayana Davis (Mt. Laurel, N.J. / Holy Cross) tacked on an insurance goal, her second marker of the season, six minutes later. The speedy forward ran on to a through-ball from sophomore Darla Sebbens (Irwin, Pa. / Greensburg Central Catholic) and knocked a sliding shot past Eastern Washington back-up netminder Nathalie Schwery.
Robert Morris senior keeper Jessica Olin (New Port Richey, Fla. / River Ridge) made three saves. The victory moved her into second all-time at RMU with 16 career wins in goal. Shana Berardi (2000-03) holds the record with 19 wins.
The Colonials open their home schedule Wednesday, Aug. 24, when Cleveland State visits North Athletic Complex for a 4:00 p.m. game.
