MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Betsy Gadziala (Whitesboro, N.Y./Whitesboro) and Carly Thibault (East Lyme, Conn./East Lyme) scored 14 points apiece, but a furious second-half comeback fell just short as the Monmouth University women's basketball team fell to Robert Morris, 57-54, Saturday afternoon in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams. With the loss, the Hawks fall to 2-5 (0-1 NEC), while the Colonials improve to 6-1 (1-0 NEC).

The Hawks battled back from a 13-point first-half deficit to take a four-point lead with 5:16 remaining in regulation. Alexis Canady (Forestville, Md./Bishop McNamara) hit a three-pointer at the 5:35 mark to give the Hawks their first lead since 2-0 just over a minute into the game. Thibault knocked down another trifecta on the next possession to put the Hawks up by four, 47-43. But the Colonials countered with the next 12 points to take an eight-point lead.

Gabby Singer (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 55-50 with 1:18 to go. After a pair of RMU free throws reestablished a seven-point cushion, Thibault was fouled while knocking down a three-pointer. She completed the four-point play to cut the lead to 57-54. Following a missed RMU free throw on the front end of a one-and-one, three Monmouth three-point attempts would not fall as time expired.

In addition to her 14 points, Gadziala joined Canady in grabbing a team-high six rebounds. Canady also added five steals and three assists. Thibault and Singer each had a team-high four assists.

RMU's Mary Durojaye had a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Artemis Spanou connected for 13 points and eight rebounds. Josette Campbell had 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Briannica Tye established game highs in assists (7), steals (7) and turnovers (11).

For the game, the Colonials outshot the Hawks, 41.5 percent (22-53) to 36.8 percent (21-57) from the floor, including a 25.0 percent (4-16) to 22.7 percent (5-22) edge from long range. RMU also outrebounded MU, 39-34. The Hawks took a 64.3 percent (9-14) to 63.6 percent (7-11) edge from the free-throw line. Both teams had trouble possessing the ball, with the Hawks (26) making one more turnover than the Colonials (25). However, Robert Morris took a decided advantage in points off turnovers, 30-13.  

A first half riddled by turnovers ended with the Colonials leading, 28-19. The Hawks committed 15 turnovers, while Robert Morris gave the ball away 13 games. The Colonials turned the giveaways into 18 points, while Monmouth could muster just four points off turnovers. RMU led by as many as 13 in the first half. Robert Morris outshot the Hawks, 42.9 percent (12-28) to 25.9 percent (7-27) in the first half, including a 28.6 percent (2-7) to 0.0 percent (0-9) edge from long range.

Monmouth continues the early portion of Northeast Conference action Monday, when it travels to Loretto, Pa., to take on Saint Francis (Pa.). Opening tip from DeGol Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.