Akron, Ohio – Junior Gracin Emerson tied a single-game program record with seven assists in Duquesne's home opener Saturday at Rooney Field, but Mount St. Mary's held off a late Dukes rally for a 19-13 decision.

Duquesne closed the contest on a 6-2 run, including the game's final four goals, but the comeback effort fell short.

Emerson finished with a career-high eight points, adding a goal to her seven assists. Her assist total ties the program single-game record set by Kat McNish in 2007. The East Lansing, Michigan, native now has 11 assists through the season's first two games.

Emma Raines paced eight Duquesne goal scorers with her second consecutive hat trick to open the year.

Freshman Sydney Girardi recorded her first two collegiate goals, while Chelsea Evans scored twice — both in the opening quarter. Ali Evans added the first multi-goal game of her career with two scores.

Mia Piocquidio, Chloe Holmes and Emerson each scored their first goals of the season. Megan Marco netted her third of the year.

Defensively, Casey McBride caused three turnovers — all via drawn offensive fouls — and collected a game-high three ground balls. Freshman goalkeeper Ella Roach played all 60 minutes, finishing with 10 saves.

Mount St. Mary's jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the opening 4:20 before Duquesne responded with four straight goals to even the score less than five minutes later. The Mountaineers answered with a decisive run to build a 14-6 advantage at halftime.

The Dukes outscored Mount St. Mary's 7-5 in the second half, highlighted by the late 6-2 surge, but time ran out on the Dukes' comeback bid.

UP NEXT
Duquesne begins a four-game road swing and will not return to Rooney Field until Saturday, March 14. Next, the Dukes make the short trip to Robert Morris on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. opening draw.

Coach Coyne Postgame Interview with Pittsburgh Sports Now

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