Box Score Moon Township, Pa. - Sept. 11, 2011 -The Robert Morris field hockey team rallied on Sunday to pick up a 3-2 overtime win over Colgate in the home opener behind a pair of goals from freshman Michelle Lewthwaite (Macarthur, Australia / Westfield Sports). Lewthwaite, who tallied the game winner in the extra period, also brought the Colonials back from a 2-1 deficit when she scored the equalizer with just one second remaining in regulation.
The win brings Robert Morris's all-time record in home openers to 4-4 and gives the Colonials (2-3 overall, 0-0 NEC) their first win over the Raiders in three career meetings.
After a scoreless first half, Colgate (1-4, 0-0 Patriot League) notched the game's first strike at 43:54 when Lauren Dittman tallied off a corner. The lead wouldn't last long however, as RMU freshman Kaili Hockensmith (Wells Tannery, Pa. / Forbes Road Senior) tallied her first career points with a goal at 48:00. Freshman Julianne Alspaugh (Carlisle, Pa. / Cumberland Valley) would assist on the play, netting her first career point in the process. The tie ball game would last just over ten minutes when the Raiders made it 2-1 off a goal by Sarah Hill that appeared to be the game winner.
But Lewthwaite proved otherwise with her timely goal - the freshman's first career points as a Colonial - when she put in the equalizer with just a lone tick left on the clock. The regulation goal was set up off a corner by freshman Taleah Scott (Crookwell, Australia / Crookwell), who converted a pair of corner opportunities in the game including the overtime score. RMU would hold a 19-12 advantage on corners in the contest. Freshman Jamie Hartley (Tamworth, Australia / University of Newcastle) would also assist on Lewthwaite's regulation goal.
Lewthwaite's game winner at 76:01 started in much the same fashion as her earlier notch, with a corner from Scott to the top of the circle. This time Lewthwaite rifled a low attempt - just her third shot on goal for the day - past the goalkeeper and in to end the game and give the Colonials a 3-2 overtime win.
Freshman Erin McKenzie (Lismore, Australia / University of Queensland Tech) picked up the win for Robert Morris and improved her record to 2-3 on the season. The goalkeeper made three saves in the victory including a key save in overtime to keep the Colonials in the running. Amanda DiDomizio took the loss for Colgate, making seven saves.
The Colonial continue their home stand on Tuesday with a 1 p.m. contest against Lock Haven. Robert Morris will also face Ohio (9/16), Lindenwood (9/17) and Liberty (9/18) over the stretch.
Continue checking RMUColonials.com for updates.
