Greenville, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team did everything but get the victory in their 11th season opener, falling 17-16 to Duquesne in sudden-death overtime Wednesday afternoon despite a dramatic comeback and a record performance from Kristin Yoviene.

The Colonials scored three goals in the final seven minutes of regulation to force OT, including Emily Jamison's tying tally with just 15 seconds left. Yoviene, a senior midfielder, set up the dramatic goal from the doorstep, capping her brilliant four-goal, six-assist day at the Rissel-Schreyer Dome.

"It's Duquesne, so it's a huge game and the build-up is intense," said Yoviene, who became the third Colonial ever to score 10 points in a game. "We've been working toward this game since last year and today we showed we can play as a unit with 100 percent effort. We're all proud of each other today."

"Considering we came up short, we have some things we have to work on, but I can't say anything bad about the game. Everyone did phenomenally."

Wednesday marked the 10th time in program history that RMU had played into overtime; the Colonials are 5-5 in such games. It was also their first double-OT contest since last April, when they downed Northeast Conference rival Central Connecticut State 9-8 on the road.

After neither team could convert in the first six-minute overtime Wednesday, RMU (0-1) took possession to start the sudden-death period. Brittany Byerly worked her way open for a clear look at the net, but her shot rang off the post and ricocheted away.

Following that close call, Duquesne (1-0) claimed the win 1:19 into the second OT on Lib Lowry's fast-break goal from in front. But despite the heartbreaking finish, the Colonials came out of the day more encouraged by the process than disappointed with the result.

"These kids battled hard," said head coach Katy Phillips, who has led the Colonials since their inaugural season. "That's the most exciting thing. I think they get really pumped to play Duquesne…it's always a physical game with them, it's always fast-paced.

"Our girls played with a lot of pride. There are some things we'd like to clean up, but it's hard to teach heart and hustle."

The game was initially scheduled for Joe Walton Stadium on the RMU campus, but inclement weather forced it indoors 70 miles north to Thiel College. Duquesne got the jump on the Colonials with three of the first four goals, but Robert Morris pushed back with four straight – two from Yoviene and two from senior attack Emma Baukhages, who finished with four goals on the day.

Although the Dukes answered with four of the next five to grab a 7-6 lead, the Colonials persisted in their first-half attack, getting four consecutive to carry a 10-7 advantage into the break. Byerly scored the final two of that surge; the junior midfielder racked up four goals on 13 shots in her return to action after missing the final 11 games last season due to injury.

"We had some adversity thrown at us today, but you rely on the players' ability to adjust and handle it," Phillips said. "They battled back after every goal scored against them and had some nice runs."

Yoviene, who tied for the team lead in assists last year with 14, set up five of RMU's first 10 goals. Her six total assists were one shy of matching the program record set by Ashley Levering in 2009. Most of Yoviene's helpers came from behind and right of the Duquesne net, giving the Colonials a reliable avenue for offense.

"After we got some goals in a row, obviously we were hyped and excited and just wanted to keep it going," Yoviene said. "It was awesome. We ran (Duquesne) into the ground and played our game."

Robert Morris absorbed a major blow in the opening 12 minutes of the second half, as Duquesne put together a 7-1 run to take a 14-11 lead. However, helped by defending NCAA draw-control champion Jessica Karwacki, the Colonials strung together several productive possessions and climbed within 15-14 on Yoviene's third goal of the game with 6:27 to play.

Karwacki ended up with 14 draw controls, most of which came in the latter stages as she found her rhythm. The junior from Maryland controlled 216 draws in 2014 and is the active career Division I leader in that category.

A tough bounce led to an own goal for Duquesne with 5:38 to go, just after RMU freshman goalie Mackenzie Duffy made one of her 12 saves. The Rhode Island native more than held her own in her NCAA debut, which featured four saves on seven free-position shots and three ground-ball pickups.

"She just played out of her mind," said Phillips of Duffy, whose distribution work helped RMU succeed on 19 of 26 clearing attempts. "She listened to the game plan and bought into it. We knew Duquesne would be aggressive and we needed the quick clear, and Mac put the ball in play after big saves. You can't ask for anything more.

"Our freshman midfielder Dana Davis also had amazing output. First big game against a crosstown rival and you have freshman who are showing up. That's part of our culture."

Yoviene connected on a free-position attempt with 4:46 remaining, drawing the Colonials back within a goal at 16-15. She then made RMU's biggest play of the day in the final seconds, finding Jamison breaking to the net for a point-blank goal that sent the home sideline into a frenzy.

"We pulled together and understood that we only had a certain amount of time left," Yoviene said of the rally. "It was our seniors' last time playing against Duquesne, so obviously you want to get the win against your biggest rival. It was a matter of knowing that we have the talent and we can make it happen."

Jamison had two goals on the day, while Corey Karwacki and Davis scored one each. Senior defenders Haley Schemm (six ground balls) and Kristi Marks (three caused turnovers) held firm on the backline.

RMU fell to 0-10 against Duquesne all-time, but the Colonials left Greenville knowing they hung with the Dukes every step of the way.

"You hate to lose, especially when you get to the second overtime, but they held their heads high," Phillips said. "Part of it is them knowing that we put in five solid weeks (of practice) in the preseason and that this was the result. We certainly built a foundation today."

Although Wednesday's matchup was technically a home game for the Colonials, they will make their 2015 Moon Township debut Sunday afternoon against Cincinnati. The non-conference tilt is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Joe Walton Stadium.

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