Scoring in bunches, Colonials dominate Pirates in soggy conditions
A domaining 7-1 score on Sunday puts the Colonials five games into the year without a loss; the best start in program history Photo credit: Nathan Breisinger
September 4, 2022
MOON TOWNSHIP- Undefeated Robert Morris (3-0-2) hosted the Hampton Pirates (1-4-0) and came away victorious by a dominant score of 7-1.
The Colonials came in undefeated, but have not necessarily been on a winning streak, coming away with ties in their two previous contests. Paloma Swankler spoke about how it felt to get back in the win column.
“We’re heading into Delaware State on Thursday and I think it’s really good to get back to this winning streak. We’re undefeated this semester, the best start in program history, so we’re going to keep it going.”
That’s exactly what they did.
The Colonials started slowly, with the Pirates matching their every move through the first 25 minutes of the game. The first score of the game came when freshman Elisa Corvalan scored on a penalty kick at the 25 minute mark. This was the start of an offensive explosion where the Colonials scored 4 goals over the span of 4 minutes.
This span was dominated by Paloma Swankler, who scored two of the goals, and Gabriella Lecuona, who scored one goal and had two assists. The first half would end at a score of 4-0. When asked about his team’s run halfway through the first half, Coach Chris Shaw had this to say.
“There was a change in personnel, and just the energy that they brought…Pressure, work ethic, closing down the opposition, chasing after loose balls and second balls, that was the difference. And credit to those players that came in. We told them we were making a change because we needed more and they provided it.”
The Colonials came out in the second half with their foot remaining squarely on the gas pedal when they scored 3 unanswered goals by Chelsea Kingston, Malia Kearns, and Angela Van Damia respectively.
When asked about how her team stayed locked in despite the big lead, Gabriella Lecuona had this to say.
“I think just keeping the intensity, the halftime speech, I think if everyone has high energy and good intensity then we come out strong and don’t let the other team score.”
The Pirates would finally break through with a little over a minute left in the game when Nyle Nwainokpor found the back of the net, cutting Robert Morris’ lead down to 6 but ultimately being insignificant.
The Colonials will take on Delaware State on Thursday at 2 p.m.
