STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Robert Morris junior defender Kirsten Welsh has been one of the teams more reliable late-game scorers, with clutch goals against Syracuse, Clarkson, and as of Saturday, Penn State.
Welsh scored the game-tying goal with 1:37 left on the clock Saturday to complete the Robert Morris comeback against the Nittany Lions and earn a 3-3 draw at Pegula Ice Arena.
Throughout her collegiate career, Welsh has been relied upon in a myriad of roles, starting out as an offensive-minded, blue-chip prospect with an edge in her first year to a sophomore defender that use her size advantage in a cleaner, more defensive-minded style. At f-foot-11, she towers over most forwards.
This year, the Blackstock, Ontario native is taking on a more rounded role and adding a leadership role to her repertoire.
“It a maturity thing,” Welsh explained. “When I was coming in as a first-year, I really didn’t know what to expect. Over the years, you get experience and you get to know your team a little better. My teammates push me to be a better player and a better person.”
The coaches have noticed that level of maturity.
“She keeps getting better in taking [coaching] points in,” head coach Paul Colontino said. “She wants to continue to learn. It’s been fantastic. She has grown so much. If she can keep doing what she’s been doing, she’s going to continue to grow — both as a player and a leader”.
The Colonials jumped out to a 2-0 lead early when Sarah Lecavalier tipped in an Emily Curlett shot at 8:31 of the first, followed by an Amber Rennie rebound late in the first.
Penn State responded with goals from Kelsey Crow, Natalie Helsing and Meike Meilleur before Welsh earned the split. The two teams skated to a scoreless overtime.
NOTES
Robert Morris recieved their first major test against goaltender Elijah Milne-Price, who started the game with an 0.52 goals against average. The netminder stopped 28-of-31 in the tie. … Brittany Howard added an assist on the Welsh goal, continuing her personal scoring streak to seven games. … Robert Morris blocked 18 shots in the contest. … The Colonials clinched a winning record on the ten game road trip with the tie.
THE LONG ROAD HOME
The Colonials finish their series with the Nittany Lions on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Pegula Ice Arena. Lauren Bailey projects to be the starter in net for Robert Morris. … The team closes out their road trip in St. Louis next weekend for their only series in Lindenwood against the Lions. The home opener is slated for November 10th against RIT at 7:05 p.m.
