On Saturday, Feb. 29, the Bison women’s lacrosse team traveled to Robert Morris University (RMU) to face the Colonials in a non-conference matchup. Despite taking an early lead, RMU acted on their second-half opportunities to overcome the Bison 11-8. The Orange and Blue now sit at a 2-4 overall record while RMU moved to 3-1.

Julia Bradbury ’21 and Tegan Warren ’20 each scored early inside the eight-meter arc. Jumping to an early lead, the Bison quickly led the opposition 6-1 at the first half’s 13:46 mark.

Turning the tides, the Colonials shifted gears and went on to score seven of the next eight goals up to the second half’s 13:35 mark. Pressing the Orange and Blue hard and stifling their attack, RMU generated transition offense to capture the lead.

In the final five minutes of the game, three straight goals from Robert Morris lifted them to remain undefeated on their home turf. 

Morgan Steinhacker ’20 and Warren led in points for the Orange and Blue with three and two goals, respectively.

On the defensive end, Laurel McHale ’22 caused three turnovers and Ella Payer ’23 collected three ground balls. In goal, Caitlin Tucker ’22 followed up her career-high performance last week, saving 11 shots on net this week.

In terms of overall stats, Robert Morris held the advantage in shots (30-22), ground balls (27-26), while the Bison took control in the draw control category (16-5).

“I think our non-conference games right now are showing us, in the words of our assistant coach Jen Eck, the importance of not getting too high or too low, and to just keep grinding. We will grow from the adversity we are facing and be stronger when we face other Patriot League teams,” Shelly Melville ’21 said.

The Bison will next turn to a spring break trip down south where they will take on Campbell on Saturday at 1 p.m, as well as Furman on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

“After the most recent game, we are contributing greatly to our team’s preparation. The past games have highlighted our strong areas, while also showing us what we need to work on,” Steinhacker said. “Once we get to the conference games, I know we will be able to put a full 60-minute game together and be successful.”