PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Despite two second half goals, the Robert Morris University women's soccer team lost a showdown with conference foe Northern Kentucky Saturday, falling 3-2 at the North Athletic Complex. 

Kaoru Hayashi and Haleigh Finale each scored in the comeback attempt for for RMU in the loss to the top-ranked Norse.

Neither side was able to generate much pressure through the first 20 minutes, navigating the midfield cautiously looking for an opening. 

NKU made it 1-0 in the 29' when Lindsey Meyer cut into the box with possession, making a couple of nice moves before depositing her shot in the lower right hand corner. 

Sheridan Reid earned two great looks off a corner minutes later but couldn't convert as one effort was blocked before another sailed wide of the net.

NKU tacked on two more goals before the first half was out to take a 3-0 lead into the half.  

Undeterred by the deficit, the Colonials came out for the second half and continued to attack, testing the NKU keeper with chances from Angela Van Damia and Kayla Veloso-Lima that were sent wide.

Hayashi finally broke through for RMU in the 66' letting go of a long strike from the right wing that handicapped the Norse keeper rolled into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

With under five to play, Finale brought RMU to within a goal with her team-leading fifth of the season after a handball in the box on NKU set her up with her second PK attempt of the season.

Though she buried the chance from the spot, the Colonials could not muster a third goal as NKU held on for the 3-2 win.

QUICK HITS

Finale scored her team-leading fifth of the year…Hayashi scored her second goal of the year

SCORING PLAYS

29' - Meyer, Assist: Sullivan

38' - Wilmes, Assist: Stines

44' - McSwingan, Assist: Vogt, King

66' - Hayahsi, Assist: Veloso-Lima

68' - Finale (PK)

NEXT UP

RMU heads to Chicago for a showdown against UIC Thursday, October 7 at 7:00 PM before wrapping things up with a Sunday afternoon matchup withOakland at the NAC.