Moon Township, Pa. – In a strong start to Northeast Conference action, the Robert Morris University men's lacrosse team defeated Sacred Heart, 12-7, on Saturday afternoon in Joe Walton Stadium.
 
The victory marked the first time since 2013 that Robert Morris (3-5, 1-0) won a conference opener, while Sacred Heart (2-6, 0-1) extended its current losing skid to five games.
 
It was a successful day for sophomore Adrian Torok-Orban, as the attack from Toronto, Ontario, set new career highs in points (five), goals (four) and ground balls (three). Senior midfield James Rahe matched Torok-Orban's five points on three goals and two assists. Both have been productive mainstays for the Colonials as of late.
 
Senior midfield Eric Rankel combined for a season-high four points on two goals and two assists. Senior attack Luke Laszkiewicz chipped in with two goals and one helper. Freshman Jack Toomb and sophomore Zac Christianson each picked up four ground balls, and Christianson recorded three caused turnovers. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Matt Bukovac split time with freshman netminder Alex Heger. The two combined for a season-high 16 saves in the win.
 

With the score tied at 4-4 with 7:14 remaining in the first half, Laszkiewicz sparked a six-goal run that propelled the Colonials to victory with an even strength goal on an assist from freshman Eddie Smith.
 
Torok-Orban kicked off the second half with a man-up tally and scored the next two for RMU to record his fourth hat trick in five games. Rahe closed the Robert Morris run with two goals, including an unassisted effort that put the home team ahead, 10-4, and earned the Colonials their largest lead of the game.
 

The Pioneers attempted a comeback and scored the next three to cut the Colonials' lead to three, but RMU held off the Sacred Heart run and scored two more goals to help claim the NEC victory.
 
Robert Morris edged Sacred Heart in ground balls, 29-27, and made a season-high 16 saves. The Colonials went 2-for-5 on man-up opportunities, while the Pioneers were 1-for-3 on the man advantage. RMU held SHU to an opponent game-low 11 points (seven goals, four assists).
 
Next Saturday, Robert Morris competes in its first NEC road contest of the season at Mount St. Mary's on March 26 at noon in Emmittsburg, Md.
 
 
Hot Streaks
Sophomore attack Adrian Torok-Orban and senior midfield James Rahe have posted points in their last seven outings.
 
Lucky Number Three
Sophomore attack Adrian Torok-Orban has scored a hat trick in four of his last five games.
 
 
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