LORETTO, Pa.  –  Behind Ethan Shine's game-high 123-yards rushing, Robert Morris defeated Saint Francis 24-14 on Saturday afternoon at DeGol Field to earn its first NEC victory of the season.
 
The Colonials (2-6, 1-2 NEC) got on the scoreboard first in the opening quarter with a 35-yard field goal from Jayson Jenkins. After Saint Francis took a brief 7-3 lead in the second quarter, RMU responded just before the half when Zach Tanner found Richard Ransom for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left on the clock, giving RMU a 10-7 lead heading into halftime.
 
RMU extended its lead early in the third quarter when Tanner connected with Thomas Lee on a 42-yard pass for another touchdown. Lee was the game's leading receiver, finishing with five catches for 115 yards.
 
After Saint Francis narrowed the gap to 17-14 in the fourth quarter, the Colonials leaned on Shine to deliver the knockout blow. He scored a 3-yard touchdown run at the 6:59 mark to establish the final score of 24-14.
 
Tanner finished the day with 162 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 11-of-21 passes.
 
The defense put forth a strong effort, holding Saint Francis to just 100 net rushing yards. RMU turned the tide early when Patrick McDonnell intercepted a pass in the first quarter, which directly led to RMU's opening field goal. Overall, the Colonials' defense forced a turnover and accounted for 10 points off turnovers in the contest. Mitchell Robinson, Jr. led the defensive unit with nine total tackles (six solo), while Noel Roach added eight total tackles (seven solo).
 
RMU will wrap up its roadtrip at Stonehill (3-5, 2-1 NEC) on November 1. The Skyhawks defeated Mercyhurst 22-15 earlier today. The next home game is November 8 against Wagner.
 
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App