Moon Township, Pa. –  A Northeast Conference Tournament berth, a Senior Day victory and a win over a team that entered today's contest undefeated all-time in league action are just a few highlights from the Robert Morris University men's lacrosse team's 13-8 victory over Saint Joseph's Saturday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium.
 
In their second straight victory, the Colonials (6-7, 3-2) secured their place in the 2016 NEC Tournament, while the Hawks (9-3, 4-1) fell victim to their first-ever loss in the league since joining the NEC in 2014.
 
Freshman attack Eddie Smith recorded a career-high-tying and team-leading four goals. Junior midfield Alexander Bohl, senior attack Luke Laszkiewicz and senior midfield James Rahe each recorded a hat trick. Seniors Laszkiewicz and Rahe also added assists in their final game at Joe Walton Stadium. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Matt Bukovac and freshman netminder Alex Heger split time in the cage and combined for eight saves.
 
Saint Joseph's began to surge late in the third quarter with three consecutive goals to tie the game, 7-7. Just as the Hawks were in the hunt for a lead, Smith battled for a rebound and hit the back of the net at a crucial time for the Colonials to put the home team ahead, 8-7, with thirty-seven seconds remaining in the frame.
 
The Smith goal sparked a four-goal Robert Morris run that featured two special teams goals from Laszkiewicz and Rahe and secured an 11-7 lead for the home team with less than eight minutes remaining. The Hawks responded with a man-up tally, but the Colonials defense held Saint Joseph's to four shots and one goal throughout the final stanza, as they extended their lead to a game-high five points to close out the league leaders.
 
RMU committed a season-low eight turnovers against SJU and held the Hawks to 16 shots on goal.
 
Robert Morris concludes the regular season on the road at Wagner on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. in Staten Island, N.Y.
 
Senior Day Statement
In the final home game of the regular season, Robert Morris snapped Saint Joseph's six-game winning streak and defeated a Hawks team that entered the game with a 16-0 all-time record in Northeast Conference action. The Hawks joined the NEC in 2014. SJU is currently receiving votes in both the USILA/Nike and Cascade/Maverik Media poll.
 
Postseason Plans
With the win today, RMU clinched its fourth Northeast Conference Tournament berth for the program and first since 2013.
 
Hot Streaks
Sophomore attack Adrian Torok-Orban and senior midfield James Rahe have posted points in their last 12 outings.
 
Finishing Strong
Fourth-year attack Luke Laszkiewicz is putting together an impressive senior campaign. He has now scored 30 goals or more in his last two seasons and has recorded a career-high 14 assists and 58 points in 2016 with one regular-season game remaining. Laszkiewicz leads the NEC in goals (44) and goals per game (3.38), and ranks second in the nation in goals per game.
 
Climbing the Charts
With his three goals today, senior attack Luke Laszkiewicz tied Corbyn TaoBrambleby for second place all-time in career goals (116) at Robert Morris. He also surpassed Joseph Scenna's all-time record in games started and now holds first place with 55 career starts.
 
 
Follow RMU Lacrosse:
@RobertMorrisLax
@RobertMorrisLax
Robert Morris Lacrosse