Robert Morris pummels Golden Griffins in non-conference affair
Robert Morris celebrates a goal. Photo credit: Ethan Morrison
March 9, 2022
MOON TOWNSHIP— After a sluggish start to the 2022 campaign, the Robert Morris men’s lacrosse team has put together a two-game win streak after they throttled Canisius 23-6.
Powering them to their biggest win against Canisius (1-6) in the matchup’s history, Robert Morris (2-3) dominated in every facet of the game.
The win gave head coach Craig McDonald his first win streak as the Colonials head coach.
“We made it simple,” McDonald said. “We made the easy plays and played together as a group. I’m proud of everybody that stepped out on the field as they gave great effort.”
Robert Morris roared to a 7-0 start in the first quarter. Their lightning-quick start made for an impressive change of course compared to their three losses to start the year, in which they were on the opposite end of the scoreboard.
McDonald was pleased with the team’s early onslaught against the Golden Griffins and a turnaround from their sluggish starts earlier in the season.
“It’s a testament to our seniors and our leadership group,” McDonald said. “They’ve done a really good job at making it a point of emphasis for us moving forward.”
With Canisius hoping to climb back in, Robert Morris continued to pummel the Golden Griffins in all statistical categories. By halftime, the Colonials garnered a 14-point lead.
“We came out really strong in the first half,” McDonald said. “We played really well in all facets. In the cage, facing off, on defense, in the middle of the field and offensively.”
Despite an explosive first half, the Colonials could not find the back of the cage in the third quarter with Canisius’ Colin Kelly tallying the lone goal.
Kelly, a freshman, was the only bright spot all game long for Canisius. The attacker has become one of the top freshmen in the nation as he added five more goals to his name against RMU.
While Robert Morris stepped off the gas during the third quarter, they picked the goal-scoring expedition back up in the fourth quarter. RMU buried six more goals in the final frame.
As the Colonials coasted to a monstrous victory, 12 different players notched a goal. As advertised, Corson Kealey and Taggart Clark paced Robert Morris with four goals apiece. Along with that, Liam Keane, Ben Starkey, Alex Funk and Dan Taddeo also registered multiple goals.
McDonald praised the variety on the offense during the game.
“Offensively we’re the best when we play as a group and we share the ball and are unselfish.”
With the game growing into a large lead, McDonald worked in nearly every player on the roster, including in the cage. However, starting freshman Nate Randall had a stellar afternoon, making 11 saves in the winning effort.
As the clock ticked down to zeros, the Colonials now turn their attention to High Point (3-3), who will pose a much larger challenge.
“We need to understand that one game doesn’t change who we are,” McDonald said. “We are a good group when we’re focused, when we work really hard and when we stick together, so that’s what our goal is going to be over the next few days with our prep.”
Robert Morris will face High Point on Saturday, as the Colonials look to extend their win streak to three games.
