NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Senior Carrie-Jo Farrugia finished with five goals and one assist for a season-high of six points on Friday afternoon, as the Niagara women's lacrosse team dropped a close 12-10 decision against Robert Morris at Niagara Field.

The loss drops Niagara's record to 3-5 on the young season, while RMU improves to 5-2 on the year.

Junior newcomer Molly Gray also recorded a season-high three goals for the Purple and White while teammates Erin Patenaude and Taylor Wolf added one goal apiece.

Starting sophomore goalie Andrea Francisco made nine saves against one of the top-scoring Division I teams in the country, while Amanda Yavorek turned away one shot during her brief outing for NU.    

"The effort on both ends of the field today was commendable. We were not winning the ball off the draw but our defense stood strong and created turnovers for us to get our attack started," head coach Wendy Stone said.  "We will learn from this close game and be better the next time out."
 
Robert Morris kicked off the scoring bout with back-to-back goals from Emma Baukhages which were both assisted by Corey Karwacki. Farrugia got Niagara on the board at the 16:44 mark to bring the Purple Eagles withone one.  After the Colonials netted the next pair of goals to take a 4-1 lead, Patenaude found the back of the net midway through the first period.

Stefany Gale, Dana Davis and Kristin Yoviene combined for a trio of goals in a span of a minute to grab a five-goal lead with 5:22 remaining in the first half, but Wolf halted the run with goal off an assist from Patenaude. Niagara then rattled off three consecutive goals of its own before the break via Gray and Farrugia, bringing the halftime score to 7-6.

RMU opened the second period with successful goals to take a three-goal lead with 28:07 left in the contest, but Farrugia scored her third and fourth goals of the game to come back within one. Niagara and Robert Morris traded goals over the final 22 minutes of the contest as the Colonials were able to hold on for the 12-10 victory.

Despite holding RMU to its second least number of goals scored in a game all year, the Colonials outshot Niagara 30-19. The Purple Eagles took a 19-13 advantages in ground balls while Robert Morris won 22 draw controls compared to two for NU.

Niagara continues its non-conference schedule when it hosts Binghamton on Monday, March 23 at 3 p.m.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for in-game updates @NiagaraWLAX. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.