NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - On the strength of Stephanie Gartley's (Camalachie, Ont.) header in the second overtime the Purple Eagles women's soccer team (7-2-1) defeated the Robert Morris Colonials (4-5-0) 2-1 in front of 375 fans at Niagara Field on Sunday afternoon.

With the Purple Eagles mounting pressure in the second overtime, Caitlin Long (Tonawanda, N.Y.) lived up to her last name by sending a long header into the box, where an unmarked Gartley was there to get her head on the ball and to send it sailing past Colonial keeper Caitlin Dilal.

Head coach Peter Veltri saw his team perservere through a tough and engaging battle against the Colonials.

"I'm proud of the way the team kept fighting," Veltri said. "They truly earned this victory, which is a testament to the commitment that these players have to Niagara soccer."

Gartley had a hand in the first goal of the game, as a long run by her was stopped as she was hauled down inside the box, calling for a penalty kick. Junior Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) took the penalty kick, putting the ball in the back of the net for the 1-0 advantage just 13 minutes into the game. The Purple Eagles continued to mount constant pressure on the Colonials, holding a 1-0 halftime lead and a 10-0 advantage in shots.

Robert Morris looked rejuventated in the second half, essentially matching Niagara in shots 8-7. With Niagara's starting goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) on the sidelines with an injury, the most important Colonial shot came in the 68th minute. Lauren Thomas took a long range shot, which sailed over the head of Niagara goalkeeper Sarah Stephens (Toledo, Ohio), for the tie. Heading into overtime, Niagara was outshooting the Colonials 18-7.

Bowers made one save in 69 minutes of play, while Stephens held Niagara in the game, making four clutch stops.

Niagara will next be in action on Friday, Oct. 3, as they take on MAAC foe Siena at 7 p.m.