MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — With just 1.8 seconds remaining in regulation, Graeme MacLennan found the back of the net to break a 7-7 deadlock and propel top-seeded Robert Morris to its second consecutive NEC Men's Lacrosse Championship.
 
The dramatic 8-7 victory over LIU on Saturday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium extended the Colonials' program-record winning streak to 13 games and secured the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
MacLennan, who was named tournament MVP, led RMU with three goals. Nate Fechter was clutch in goal, recording 18 saves while facing 53 shots. Zach Tucker collected six ground balls. Ben Eck added a goal and an assist.
 
First Quarter
The Sharks struck first with a goal by Charlie Hunnewell at 9:41, but the Colonials responded with three consecutive goals. MacLennan equalized at 5:43, followed by Eck's goal at 0:50, and capped off by Dylan Anderson's tally with an assist from Liam Blakely at 0:10. The quarter ended with RMU leading 3–2 after Ben McIsaac scored in the final second.
 
Second Quarter
The Colonials responded to the Sharks' early goal by taking control midway through the second quarter. Joel McCormick netted two goals, first tying the game at 3–3 with an assist from Luke Prezioso at 2:20, and then putting RMU ahead 4–3 with another goal at 1:22, assisted by Anderson. Despite a late goal by McIsaac reducing the deficit, the Colonials maintained a 5–4 lead as the quarter ended.
 
Third Quarter
RMU seized a crucial moment in the third quarter with a goal from Tommy Linehan at 9:53, assisted by Ryan Stiefel. This offensive effort extended the home team's lead. Despite numerous attempts from both teams, the quarter concluded with RMU holding a 6–4 advantage.
 
Fourth Quarter
In the fourth quarter, the Colonials started strong with Blakely winning the faceoff and collecting the ground ball. Despite early pressure, including a wide shot by Eck and McCormick's attempt saved by Brayden Wilcken, RMU faced challenges due to an Eck penalty. The Sharks capitalized on the opportunity, scoring twice to tie the game at 6-6 with 7:38 to play.
 
MacLennan, assisted by Calum Brennan, scored at 2:52 to put the Colonials back ahead 7-6. Aidan Zuhoski tied the match at 7-7 with just 27 seconds left on the clock, setting the stage for MacLennan's last-second heroics.

Following the trophy presentation, the league announced the 2026 NEC All-Tournament Team. RMU was well-represented by McCormick, Tapper, and Fechter, while MacLennan was named the Tournament MVP. The Sharks placed Taylor Davide, Ryan Fountain, and Zuhoski on the squad. Rounding out the selections were Xander John and Griffin Valley from Cleveland State, along with Beau Durkin and Adam Norris of VMI.
 
Up Next
RMU will know its opponent for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The official brackets will be released at 9:30 p.m.
 
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