MOON TOWNSHIP — Despite losing four in a row coming into today’s matchup against Youngstown State, head coach Chris Shaw and the Robert Morris University women’s soccer team found a reignited burst of energy.

Wednesday afternoon was senior day for the Colonials (7-7-4, 1-7-2 Horizon) as they honored each of the six seniors prior to the game. However, the Penguins (7-7-3, 5-3-2) took control in the second half and won 3-1.

The Colonials were immediately on the defensive as Youngstown State had five corner kicks and a shot in the first six minutes. Despite all those opportunities, it resulted in zero goals for the Penguins.

Head coach Chris Shaw spoke on the energy the team brought to the matchup.

“We played with a lot of intensity and energy,” Shaw said. “Our seniors definitely brought it today.”

After surviving the initial onslaught, the Colonials would keep it in YSU territory until they eventually broke the scoreless tie. Haleigh Finale slipped a goal past YSU goalkeeper Brooklynn Kirkpatrick (22′) to get the Colonials on the board.

Finale’s goal was assisted by Gabriella Lecuona, one of the seniors who was honored for senior day. Lecuona had three shots on the day, including one off the crossbar late in the first half.

Youngstown State again came out as the aggressor at the start of the 2nd half, and it paid dividends.

However, the Colonials were unable to stop YSU forward Elis Spindola in the beginning stages of the half, as she beat RMU goalkeeper Isabella Bohlen on two separate occasions (51′, 54′), giving the Penguins the lead.

Head coach Chris Shaw spoke about a few factors that could have been prevented in the loss.

“Unfortunately, I think a couple of defensive errors really cost us,” head coach Chris Shaw said after the game. “The second goal was kind of the straw that broke the camel’s back… Really unfortunate not to get a goal or two back in the latter stages of the second half.”

Spindola would score again in 70′, which gave her a hat trick on the day, and the Colonials were unable to respond late.

Despite the loss, the Colonials continued to fight until the final buzzer.

“Overall, pleased with the way we responded,” Shaw said. “They didn’t give up after we went down 3-1.”

Shaw also spoke postgame about the graduating seniors and the future of the team.

“It was a good group. We’ll be sorry to see them go, but it’s been a good ride,” Shaw said of the seniors. “This is a young group overall, despite graduating six seniors. We’ve got a lot of really young, talented players… I think the future is bright.”

The Colonials end the season on a sour note finishing the season on a five-game losing streak after getting off to their best start in program history.