MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Robert Morris advanced to the championship game of the NEC after a 12-5 victory over VMI on Thursday evening at Joe Walton Stadium. The Colonials (12-3) extended their winning streak to 12 games dating back to February 20, while the Keydets (7-7) see their season come to a close.
 
Ben Eck stood out with a game-winning goal and an assist, taking six shots with three on target. Nate Fechter made a significant impact in goal, recording 18 saves from 39 shots faced. Graeme MacLennan contributed with two goals from five shots, while also securing two ground balls. Cristian Davis dominated at the faceoff circle, winning 14 of 19 faceoffs and collecting eight ground balls for RMU.
 
Beau Durkin stood out for the Keydets, recording three goals from nine shots with seven on target, while also contributing four ground balls and causing two turnovers. Goalkeeper, Adam Norris made 13 saves against 38 shots faced.
 
First Quarter
The contest began with the Colonials setting the tone early, as Calum Brennan scored the first goal at 12:26 with an assist from Joel McCormick. Despite a quick response from Bagwell, RMU maintained its momentum with Dylan Anderson finding the back of the net at 10:19, assisted by Eck.
 
Tommy Linehan extended the lead for the Colonials at 5:35, capitalizing on a successful clear attempt. The Keydets managed to level the score once more, but Gavin Pedone's goal at 3:21 reestablished the RMU advantage. The quarter concluded with the Colonials leading 4–2.
 
Second Quarter
RMU capitalized early in the second quarter with a man-up goal by Tommy Gallagher at 12:10 following a VMI penalty. Davis's faceoff prowess helped the Colonials maintain possession, although a turnover briefly stalled their momentum.
 
Despite the efforts of the Keydets to close the gap, including a goal by Durkin at 6:46, RMU responded with a crucial goal by Eck, assisted by Luke Prezioso, at 1:13. This scoring action allowed the Colonials to end the quarter leading 6–4.
 
Third Quarter
RMU demonstrated strong momentum in the third quarter, beginning with a goal by Koerner Marechek at 8:47. This was quickly followed by Brennan's score, assisted by Ryan Stiefel, further extending the lead for the Colonials. Maclennan added another goal at the 5:00 mark, assisted by Prezioso, reinforcing RMU control. McCormick capped off the scoring with a goal at 1:18, ensuring a decisive quarter.
 
The defensive efforts by Fechter, including several key saves, helped maintain a shutout for the Colonials in this quarter. The game headed into the final frame with the Keydets trailing significantly.
 
Fourth Quarter
RMU secured its victory with a strong fourth-quarter performance, highlighted by Linehan's goal at 10:07, which followed a pivotal faceoff win by Davis. Maclennan added to the lead at 3:02, solidifying control for the Colonials. Despite the efforts of the Keydets, including a goal by Ethan Ostrowski, RMU maintained its advantage with crucial saves from Fechter. The game concluded with the Colonials triumphing over the Keydets, 12–5.
 
Up Next
RMU will host LIU (11-3) for the NEC championship on Saturday, May 2. Faceoff at Joe Walton Stadium is 4 p.m.

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