MOON TOWNSHIP – Colonials basketball tipped off the 2025-26 season at the UPMC Events Center on Friday night as RMU women’s basketball (2-0) routed Akron (0-2) by a score of 70-61. The squad came in with a fire already lit underneath after a strong showing at UIC to open their season Monday night with a 83-78 win over the Flames.
Akron struck first with the opening basket of the night, but that would be its only lead of the game. The Zips managed to tie it up just before halftime, 29-29, after a three-pointer at the buzzer, but RMU would never let them pull ahead. The Colonials entered the latter half of play with a 10-2 run and held control for the rest of the night.
Transfer guard Aislin Malcolm continued off her momentum in Akron making an immediate statement in her RMU debut, leading the Colonials with 20 points and five rebounds. The Chartiers Valley grad and Pitt transfer played with confidence throughout the game, delivering key buckets whenever RMU needed a spark.
Local newcomers continued to shine for the Colonials. Bailey Kuhns (Greensburg Central Catholic / Mercyhurst) brought physicality in the paint and helped RMU dominate the glass, while Mallory Daly (Seton LaSalle / Buffalo) and Ava Leroux (South Fayette / Elon) added quality minutes and energy off the bench.
RMU’s advantage on the boards proved crucial, finishing with a 38-26 edge in rebounds. Despite some choppiness from both sides typical early on in the season, the Colonials stayed composed through a scrappy, foul-heavy game. The teams nearly mirrored each other statistically with Akron committing 19 turnovers to RMU’s 18.
Returners Jada Lee, Noa Givon, and Jennica Suggs provided a steady presence, helping the new-look roster settle into a rhythm in the second half. The Colonials also made the most of their free throws, going 20-for-25.
It wasn’t always smooth, but it was solid and a promising foundation to continue to build on for a new season. RMU controlled the game for nearly 38 of the 40 minutes, showing flashes of what this rebuilt roster can be. The balance of returning leadership and local newcomers has already given this group an identity rooted in toughness and energy.
Robert Morris will face its next test on the road against Saint Francis next. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday in Loretto, PA.
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