The Robert Morris women’s soccer team took the soggy field in their first NEC contest of the season against Sacred Heart at the North Athletic Complex in Moon Township, Pa. However, this match was about more than just earning a victory.

Senior goalkeeper Chelsea de Jager has dealt with some hardships this year as her mother continues to battle with bone cancer. This game served as a time to support the de Jager family by wearing yellow and using the hashtag “#DoItForMomma” on social media.

“Every game for me is go in, do whatever you can, do it for mom. She can’t watch the games, but I know that she’s here (with me),” said de Jager about the game played in support of her mother. “With the event going on today is was an incentive to get a win even more so.”

Well, that is exactly what the Colonials did by defeating the Pioneers 3-2.

Robert Morris (5-7-0, 1-0-0) started early with a quick goal in the 4th minute from junior midfielder Erin Ritzer, her second on the season. Sacred Heart (3-9-0, 0-3-0) answered back in the 13th minute with a goal off a shot by Dana Cosmedy.

The Colonials came back in the 23rd minute with Ritzer this time assisting senior Kristie Hamilton on a shot from 18 yards out. Not far behind, however, were the Pioneers as they touched in a corner kick in the 38th minute to go into the half tied 2-2.

“We scored one, they got one, we scored one, they got one and we were like we’re just going to keep scoring until they stop scoring,” said de Jager.

Robert Morris did not have to keep scoring much longer as Lauren Sulkowski found redshirt-senior Cassie Raymond in the 65th minute for her 5th goal of the season.

De Jager had a game-high four saves, including two late in the second half, on seven Sacred Heart shots on goal.

Coach John Kowalski said this about his team: “We scored two very good goals and gave up two goals on corner kicks so in the second half we had that mindset that yes, we can win. We have to play hard and change a couple things around tactically and adjust to it.”

Kowalski also thought that the rain Friday played an important role in Robert Morris’ victory. “The last time we played (at home) about two weeks ago was similar types of conditions against Northern Kentucky…we like to play in the rain. If anything it had a positive effect.”

The Colonials will see action again Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. at home against Bryant University (3-8-1, 2-0-0). This will be Robert Morris’ last home game before a four-game road stint.