NEWARK, Del. - The Bellarmine Knights fell to the Delaware Blue Hens 14-11 on the road on Sunday afternoon. The contest marked the Knights' first in just over three weeks.
 
"I'm grateful to (Bellarmine President) Dr. Susan Donovan and (Director of Athletics) Scott Wiegandt for the support that allowed this game to happen. It was a really heavy lift to put this game together on short notice and the guys were super excited to compete again," Bellarmine head coach Andy Whitley said.
 
Landon Trout got the scoring started less than a minute into the contest and Blake Roshkowski followed up minutes later, taking an outlet pass from goalie JC Higginbotham coast to coast for the score, to put Bellarmine up 2-0 early. Charlie Kitchen got Delaware their first of the game and Griffin Bowie answered for the Knights to make it a 3-1 Bellarmine lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Delaware opened up the second quarter with a three-goal run to take their first lead of the game. However, Bellarmine was able to answer in a big way. The Knights rattled off four straight, which included a long pole goal from Jon Robbins following a caused turnover, in the second quarter alone. This run helped them carry a wealth of momentum and a 7-5 lead into the half.
 
"We have been working on it (transition offense) and were able to convert a couple of chances which was a credit to Blake and Jon," Whitley said. "I thought overall we made good decisions in that area so I'm happy there was some clear progression."
 
The Knights' offense struggled in the third, only being able to cash in three times in the quarter. Delaware went on two separate three-goal runs, which each include a goal right off the faceoff from Jake Hervada, to help them get ahead 11-10 heading into the fourth.
 
Delaware extended their run to five goals with two straight from Mike Robinson and Mark Bieda early in the fourth. Trout ended the dry spell for the Knights late in the fourth quarter, but that would be the only goal they would enjoy in the final stanza. Mike Robinson notched the final goal of the game to secure the 14-11 win for Delaware.
 
"Our guys grinded and Delaware has as good of an attack as we'll see all season. I think they just made plays in timely spots and took advantage of our mistakes." Whitley said. "We feel we're a very good defensive team, and I want to challenge our guys to elevate against elite offenses."
 
Again, Robbins and Eric Rubak led the way for the Knights' defense. Robbins recorded five ground balls, three caused turnovers, and added a goal. Rubak had six ground balls and one caused turnover. Higginbotham got the start in cage for the first time this season and recorded nine saves with a .391% save percentage.
 
Offensively, Kyle Playsted led Bellarmine with a hat trick while Trout had two goals. Luke Legnard had one goal and an assist.
 
Delaware dominated the faceoff dot with Hervada going 12-for-15 (80%) as their primary option at the position. Matt Kilkeary made nine saves with a 45% save percentage and Owen Grant caused six caused turnovers and four ground balls to lead the Blue Hens' defense.
 
Tye Kurtz had four goals and Robinson netted a hat trick to lead the Delaware offense.
 
Bellarmine (1-3) will be back in action on Tuesday when they take on Robert Morris on the road.