MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- After battling through difficult weather and allowing a buzzer-beating goal, the Robert Morris University women's lacrosse team still achieved a historic win. On senior Sophia Eureka's sudden-death game-winner, the Colonials defeated the Golden Griffins for the first time in 11 all-time matchups, 11-10 in overtime on Wednesday evening at a cold, damp Joe Walton Stadium. "It was amazing," said junior Mackenzie Gandy, who scored three goals and added three assists to pace RMU's attack. "(Eureka) just kept going and going down the field so I was like, 'Take it to the goal.'" When Eureka's shot hit twine past Canisius goalie Lauren Gilbert, the Colonials had achieved their first 2-0 start in five years and reversed last year's overtime loss to Bucknell in their home opener. After sitting through 45-minute delay for snow removal and then seeing a hard-fought lead dissolve at the last possible moment, the win was more satisfying than most for RMU. "We never gave up," head coach Katrina Silva said. "No matter the obstacles, we just kept believing in ourselves and worked together to be the best team we could be. It was a total team effort." Gandy had set up what initially appeared to be the biggest goal of the day when she assisted on her twin sister Melanie Gandy's short-range goal with 1:12 left in the second half, putting the Colonials ahead 10-9. But the Golden Griffins tied the score when Jourdan Roemer netted her fourth goal of the game with just three seconds remaining, cutting to the RMU goal after picking up a loose ball in the midfield. The overtime was brief, because after RMU junior goalie Katelyn Miller denied Bryar Cummings on a free-position shot on the first possession of the sudden-death period, Eureka took the clear attempt all the way down the left sideline, choosing to dip her shoulder and drive the goal when Canisius didn't collapse on her. "I was looking to hit Shannon Lynch to run our slow break, but Canisius did a good job of locking the attackers low," Eureka explained. "I knew I could get the step I needed on the defender, and that drive has worked for me before." Eureka finished with two goals and an assist, one of four Colonials to record two points or more. Melanie Gandy's five points (3g, 2a) were one shy of her career high, while senior Lynch netted a goal and a helper. On the defensive side, Miller stopped 11 shots, Clio Kerr scooped up a team-best seven ground balls and Shea McArdle caused three turnovers. For the second straight game, RMU started hot offensively, charging to a 5-2 lead after 20 minutes that triggered a goalkeeping change for Canisius (0-2). The Griffs scored four of the next six to climb within a 7-6 count at the half. The soggy, chilly conditions appeared to get the better of both teams in the second half, as neither offense could muster another goal until Cummings tied the score with a man-up goal with 16 minutes to play. Melanie Gandy answered with an advantage goal of her own less than two minutes later, converting a slick dish from Mackenzie across the goal mouth. "Everyone calls it twin telepathy," Mackenzie said. "We've just been playing for so long and we know what we're capable of and what we're good at. It's good to always have her there." With eight minutes to go in regulation and the Colonials down for the first time, 9-8, Mackenzie took it upon herself to drive and score, setting up a tense finish. The game was more contentious than RMU's opener at Kent State, as this one featured seven yellow cards, 11 free-position shots and three man-up goals. Eureka said she noticed the increased physicality in transition especially. Mackenzie Gandy said the combination of the style of game and the persistent rain throughout might have hampered both teams, but she was proud that her team pulled out the result anyway. RMU was outshot 26-15 and committed 27 turnovers, but persevered. "You just have to play through whatever they're throwing at you," Mackenzie said. "And the weather always has an impact, but we should rise above that. We did what we needed to do to win." Against a Canisius program that has collected 11 conference championships -- regular season and playoffs -- since 2010, this was no 'homecoming' opponent for RMU. In addition, the Colonials had dropped a pair of one-goal decisions to the Griffs earlier this decade, so this one resonated more than most non-conference matchups. Add in the drama of overtime and the Colonials were absolutely buzzing as dusk fell in Moon Township. The win broke a three-game losing streak in extra time dating back to the 2014 season. "The adrenaline was pumping (at the start of overtime)," Eureka said, "and we were ready to go in, play at the same level of intensity we had all game, and win it." After collecting two wins in five days to start their 15th season of Division I play, the Colonials will return to the Joe next Wednesday, Feb. 27, when Liberty pays a visit. First draw against the Flames is scheduled for 3 p.m.