Moon Township, Pa. / North Athletic Complex-The Robert Morris University women's soccer team had every statistical advantage on the scoresheet except in the only category that counts - goals. Youngstown State got three goals off the foot of freshman Allison Ludwig en route to a 3-1 win in the season opener for both squads.
Robert Morris (0-1) held statistical advantages in shots (21-12), corner kicks (8-2) and fouls (8-13).
Youngstown State got on board twice in the first half after a pair of Colonials defensive errors. Lauren Brennan played what looked like a poor through-ball, but when the ball was misplayed by the RMU back, Ludwig capitalized. She took the ball to the left side and shot low, inside the near post to stake the Penguins to the lead in the 19th minute.
In the 39th minute, the situation was much the same. Ludwig again pounced on an RMU mistake, this time firing to the far post to stretch the margin to 2-0.
The Colonials broke through in the 76th minute, scoring when freshman Katie Austin (Dallstown, Pa. / Dallastown) played a long throw to the box. Senior Jennifer Tobar (Bradenton, Fla. / Lakewood Ranch) settled and shot inside the right post for her first marker since the 2008 season.
The Penguins regained the two-goal lead in the 86th minute. A sliding tackle in the defensive third by Katie Peterlin caused the ball to deflect through to the Colonials third of the field. Ludwig outran everyone to the ball, then beat RMU sophomore keeper Jessica Olin (New Port Richey, Fla. / River Ridge) with a quick shot high and right.
Olin finished with six saves. Nicole Kline posted eight saves for the Penguins win.
The Colonials host Duquesne in a 1:00 p.m. contest Sunday, August 22, at North Athletic Complex.
