Super seniors power Colonials to victory over Central Michigan

Clio+Kerr+celebrates+one+of+her+goals+on+Saturday.+Photo+Credit%3A+Nathan+Breisinger

Clio Kerr celebrates one of her goals on Saturday. Photo Credit: Nathan Breisinger

Nathan Breisinger

MOON TOWNSHIP– It was a super senior Saturday at Joe Walton Stadium as the Robert Morris women’s lacrosse team faced off against Central Michigan in the biggest matchup of the season.

After a slow start, the graduate seniors powered Robert Morris (11-2, 7-0 MAC) to a 20-10 win over Central Michigan (6-6, 4-2 MAC) showing why they are atop of the Mid-American standings.

As the program celebrated their graduate seniors – Clio Kerr, Shea McArdle, Kelly Colegrove, Thalia Zolis, Madison Burke, Mackenzie and Melanie Gandy, and Katelyn Miller – each played an essential role in the team’s victory.

After going down two goals, the Colonials did not back away and went toe to toe with CMU, similar to their first matchup with the Chippewas. While play became chippy with several yellow cards issued toward the Colonials, they maintained their composure and kept the game gridlocked.

Not soon after, it turned into the Gandy show. Melanie Gandy prompted the onslaught with a goal of her own, but Mackenzie had the golden touch. She scored six straight goals for the Colonials, including a hat trick in the span of 90 seconds.

During the impressive goal-scoring run, the Gandys combined for eight goals, while Melanie also added her own record-setting milestone. As the Colonials made it 11-5, Melanie fed her sister for the tally as it marked her 95th career assist, breaking the all-time program record.

It was only a matter of time for the Colonials to break through and distance themselves from the Chippewas, RMU scored 10 unanswered goals. It would be too much for Central Michigan to handle in the end as they attempted to close the gap, but the Colonials won by double-digits.

While Melanie and Mackenzie Gandy put on a display during Super Senior Saturday, Clio Kerr also added four goals and Thalia Zolis registered four points.

Graduate senior Katelyn Miller was a vital piece in the team’s victory as she made seven saves. Miller continues to be excellent in the cage for the Colonials game in and game out. Although Miller has been solid all year long, the defensive trio in front of her deserves a lot of credit as well. Finishing out the graduate seniors, Shea McArdle, Kelly Colegrove, and Madison Burke were stout in front of Miller as they combined for four ground balls on the day.

With the win, the Colonials move to 7-0 in conference play and 11 wins overall. They are now just one win away from tying the program’s winningest record. RMU also distances itself from Central Michigan in the top position of the MAC standings with three games to play.

The Colonials return to action on Wednesday when they travel to take on Detroit Mercy. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.