Pittsburgh, Pa. - In its opening exhibition game of the 2012-13 season, the Robert Morris University women's hockey team delivered a victory over the University of Guelph Gryphons, Friday evening at the RMU Island Sports Center.  The exhibition game marked the debut of six new players to the Colonial family.

RMU jumped out to an early lead as junior assistant captain Thea Imbrogno (Etobicoke, Ontario / Mississauga Jr. Chiefs) scored just 4:32 into the first period. Senior Jamie Joslin (Richmond Hill, Ontario / Aurora Panthers) recovered the puck in the RMU zone and passed out to Colonial newcomer Kristen Richards (Toronto, Ontario / Niagara University).  Richards quickly found Imbrogno who located the net over the right shoulder of Guelph goaltender Brooke Siddall.  With the goal, Imbrogno has tallied a point in four straight exhibition games for RMU.

Despite their only score coming early in the game, the Colonials dominated the remaining periods.  RMU held Guelph to a shotless second period, which lead to a shot tally of 36-10 in favor of the Colonials.

The RMU penalty kill successfully fought off each of Guelph's five power play attempts.  The reigning 2012 CHA Tournament MVP Kristen DiCiocco (Niagara Falls, Ontario / Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres) continued her success by earning the shutout.  DiCiocco stopped a game-high eight shots in the first period. 

As a team, RMU won 39 of 55 faceoff contests.  Sophomore Rebecca Vint (Caledon, Ontario / Brampton Jr. Thunder), the 2012 CHA Rookie of the Year, aided the Colonial effort by winning 18 of her 23 faceoffs. 

RMU will be back in action tomorrow evening, as the Colonials will host Guelph for the second game of the exhibition series.  Game time is set for 7:35 p.m. at the RMU Island Sports Center.