Sophomore Kathleen McNish's seven goals and four assists, and 12 goals by seven teammates powered Duquesne to a 19-6 season-opening win over Robert Morris Sunday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium. The Dukes (1-0) jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as they dealt the Colonials (0-2) their second straight loss.

Duquesne got on the board less than six minutes into the first half with a goal from Meghan Frederick off McNish's first assist. McNish connected on the Red & Blue's second goal less than a minute later. Goals by Sarah Carson, Becky Greene and McNish had the Dukes up 5-0 at the 15:48 mark of the first half.

RMU closed the gap to 5-3 with 9:58 left in the half, but Duquesne ended the opening stanza with three straight goals from Frederick, Janna Faulkner and Sarah Cates to take an 8-3 halftime lead.

In the second half, Faulkner, McNish (5 goals), Courtney Tamasitis, Frederick, Lea Lamatina (2 goals) and Greene scored to up Duquesne's total to 19 on the afternoon.

Caitlin Carducci recorded the win in net as she split halves with Meghan Holleran. Each gave up three goals and had two saves.

Throughout the game, Duquesne's continuous possession limited Robert Morris to 14 total shots, as compared to DU's 37. The Dukes won the ground ball battle, 26-16. DU was 6-14 on free position attempts while RMU was 2-6.

Next for Duquesne is the home opener on Friday, March 2, 2007, against Monmouth at 3:00 p.m. The game will be played at Cupples Stadium on Pittsburgh's South Side.

2007-02-26