MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - RMU women's lacrosse (4-9, 2-3 MAC) is heading down I-376 to take on the Pitt Panthers (8-7, 4-6 ACC) at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday night. First draw is slated for 6:30 p.m.
 
RMU LATELY
The Colonials suffered a 16-6 loss against the Akron Zips on Saturday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium to fall to 2-3 in MAC play.
 
 In the loss, Samantha Brothers led the Colonials on the day with two goals, marking her second multi-goal game of the season. Lea Otts recorded two assists and a goal on the day, with Otts leading the Colonials in assists with 13 on the season. Lucy Carney went the full 60 minutes in goal, allowing 16 goals while recording 14 saves, to fall to 3-4 on the season.
 
COLONIAL LEADERS
Mia Berthoff continues to be the Colonials top goal scorer, with the sophomore being the lone Colonial to reach 20+ goals this season (23). Berthoff also leads the Colonials in points with 32 on the season.
 
Gabi Puzevic is the other Colonial to score double-digit goals this season so far, with Puzevic recording 11 goals.
 
Freshman Lea Otts has been a big contributor to the Colonials, leading the team in assists with 13 and being second on the team in points with 22.
 
As a team, the Colonials are sixth in the conference in goals per game (6.45) and fifth in points per game (9.77).
 
412 LACROSSE DAY
Hosted at Highmark Stadium, Wednesday's game highlights the two programs separated by just a few miles, making it a true "412" celebration of the sport.
 
With free admission and a skyline backdrop, the game offers both a competitive in-city clash and a showcase for local lacrosse culture, making 412 Lacrosse Day more than just a regular-season contest, but a celebration of the sport's presence in Pittsburgh.
 
The "412" name itself is a nod to Pittsburgh's iconic area code, and the event is designed to celebrate the growth of lacrosse across Western Pennsylvania. By bringing together two local Division I programs, the game highlights how far the sport has come and how big the lacrosse community in Pittsburgh has become.
 
Head coach Courtney Grove is excited about the launch of 412 Lacrosse Day. "We are excited to partner with Pitt Lacrosse to launch 412 Lacrosse Day, engaging our community and growing the game, together!"
 
RMU AND PITT HISTORY
Wednesday night's meeting will be just the third contest between the pair, with Pitt winning both of the previous matchups. Against the Panthers, the Colonials have recorded six goals, averaging out to three per contest. This will be the second time RMU faces off with the Panthers on the road, with the last road contest against Pitt coming back in 2024, with the Colonials falling 19-2.
 
LAST DRAW
The pair most recently met last season on April 9, with the Colonials dropping a 15-4 decision to the Panthers in Moon Township. Samantha Brothers and Taylor Cadeau each had a goal for the Colonials, while Mia Berthoff recorded an assist in the loss. The Panthers outshot RMU 31-15 on the night while narrowly beating the Colonials in draw controls, with Pitt holding a slim 12-11 advantage.
 
SCOUTING PITT
The Panthers are returning to Highmark Stadium, coming off a thrilling 15-14 overtime win over Louisville in Kentucky last Saturday. Pitt rallied from a three-goal third quarter, with Kaitlyn Giandonato scoring the game-winner to secure Pitt their first conference road victory of the season. In the contest, Emily Clemens and Giandonato each recorded a hat trick, while Giandonato had two assists, and Clemens had one. Pitt's fourth ACC win is the most in a single season in program history.
 
Looking at the Panthers as a whole, Pitt's offense is ranked eighth in the ACC in goals per game, with the Panthers averaging 11.81 goals, led by Giandonato with 42 on the season. Behind Giandonato is Avery Moon, who has recorded 31 goals, a team-high 26 assists, and 57 points on the season.
 
In goal, the Panthers have had two different goalies with Molly Cain carrying the load for Pitt. Cain has started and played in 15 games for the Panthers, posting an 8-7 record thus far. In goal, Cain has allowed 160 goals while recording 117 saves, averaging 11.38 goals allowed per game. Coming in relief for three contests is Shaye Gluckman, who has recorded five saves while allowing six goals.
 
The Panthers are currently 8-7 overall and 4-6 in ACC play.