MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich — Coming into the 2022 season, Robert Morris was in search of their second Mid-American Conference title in as many years.

Last season, Robert Morris eased their way through conference play, snatching their first MAC crown. This year, RMU needs to win two extra games to clinch the championship.

With the first win already secured against Youngstown State, the Colonials have the opportunity to lock in victory number two against Central Michigan.

Entering the season, it was known that RMU and Central Michigan would battle it out for the top spot in the MAC.

After a thrilling 17-16 win over the Chippewas back on March 16, the Colonials were looking to clinch the number one seed during their second matchup. However, RMU was dealt their first-ever MAC loss when Kelly Hoyt for Central Michigan scored with 15 seconds left in the game. That loss ended an 18-game conference winning streak for the Colonials.

With the loss against Central Michigan coupled by a loss the following week against Youngstown State, the Colonials slouched to the second seed in the Mid-American Conference.

However, the two season ending losses may be a blessing in disguise as Katrina Silva spoke earlier in the year about how difficult it is to beat a team three times.

“Usually, you play everyone twice in lacrosse for the championship,” Silva said. “I think it’s hard to beat a team three times.”

In the semifinals, the Colonials faced Youngstown State. Looking to avenge their aforementioned season finale loss, RMU handled business in a fiery way as they jumped out to a 10-1 lead against the Penguins. Robert Morris fired away for the rest of the game, winning 22-14. Eight different Colonials had multi-goal games, including Colleen Tifft, who had four goals on the day.

Now, the Colonials turn their attention towards a championship matchup with Central Michigan. The Chippewas finished the season with an 8-2 conference record and went on to win their opening-round game in the MAC Tournament.

CMU took down Kent State with ease, winning 15-5. Brennan Paddy and Maggie Diebold both collected hat tricks for the Chippewas in the winning effort.

As for Saturday, there is no better matchup in the Mid-American Conference than the growing rivalry between Central Michigan and Robert Morris. Last season it was CMU that was expected to win the conference, but RMU had other plans. This time around, the Colonials were selected to win the conference in the preseason poll, and the Chippewas are one game away from spoiling it all.

All year long, Robert Morris has received production from up and down their lineup. That is exactly what needs to happen against Central Michigan to have a chance to claim another championship.

Backstopped by the MAC Goalkeeper of the Year in Jamie Keller and accompanied by the Defensive Player of the Year in Madi Griffin, the Colonials’ defense will need to be strong to fend off the Chippewas threatening offense.

One thing that the Colonials need to do to help their cause is get out to a significant lead and maintain that lead. In their two matchups with Central Michigan this season, the Colonials let the Chippewas stick around, resulting in a tight win and a one-goal loss.

The Colonials and Chippewas are set to face off at 1:00 p.m.