Robert Morris Defeats Jacksonville in Revenge Game in ASUN Quarterfinals

Nate Fanell

The Colonials celebrate a goal as Robert Morris defeats Jacksonville 9-8 in the ASUN quarterfinals.

Samuel Goldberg

MOON TOWNSHIP, PA — Robert Morris hosted the Atlantic Sun tournament, but were regarded as the away team as they enter the tournament as the sixth seed. The Colonials looked to avenge a regular season loss against No. 3 Jacksonville in the quarterfinals of the ASUN lacrosse tournament. The Colonials were able to win a nail-biter of a game by a score of 9-8

The Colonials were off to a hot start as they took a commanding 4-1 lead, but the Dolphins were not too fast behind after ringing off a four-goal run of their own to give the Dolphins the lead.

Head Coach Craig McDonald spoke about how the game plan changed when they played Jacksonville this time.

“I don’t think there was a ton different in our gameplan, I just think we wanted to make sure that we left all out there. We are on borrowed time here and we wanted to earn more time together.”

Nate Randall came up huge in the first half for the Colonials making some key saves for Robert Morris in the first two quarters. He has played a big part in the run the Colonials went on.

McDonald emphasized how important the play from Randall was in the winning effort.

“Nate has been great and what better day to have a day like this day…when the pressure is on he rose to the occasion and I couldn’t be more happier for him,” McDonald said.

The third quarter was a solid defensive effort by Robert Morris as they allowed Jacksonville to have zero room to breathe. The defense along with Randall’s play at an elite level helped the Colonials secure the quarterfinals victory.

Randall spoke on how he remained composed in pressure situations.

“I just trust my defense and I know we put in all this work all year long and I was ready for this moment and I just trust the work we put in”.

Brendan Cina scored his first career as a Colonial in the third quarter from a beautiful pass from Taggart Clark. Clark was an assist man on Tuesday, racking up four assists in the contest.

The Colonials played exceptionally well in the fourth quarter with goals from Clark and Eric Swagerty to give the Colonials to lead they needed.

For the Colonials, it was a completely different team compared to the last time these two teams met earlier in the season as the Dolphins beat the Colonials 12-6 at Joe Walton Stadium.

It was a complete game this time around for Robert Morris as everything was clicking from the offense to the defense to the goalie play.

The Colonials will play Air Force on Friday after the Falcons received a first-round bye as a two-seed. The Colonials will get another crack at the Falcons after losing to them last Saturday, 13-5 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

McDonald spoke on the rematch with Air Force.

“We know it is going to be a challenge…and it is going to be a quick turnaround…they are a tough team.”