LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine Knights took down the Cleveland State Vikings 11-4 on Saturday afternoon to split the season series with the Vikings 1-1 and earn their second consecutive win for the first time this season.

Christian Della Rocco had a career day for the Knights, tallying four goals in the win. Landon Trout had a season-high five points (2G/3A) while Kyle Playsted added two goals and an assist.

"The injury bug has given him (Della Rocco) an opportunity and he has absolutely taken advantage of it," Bellarmine coach Andy Whitey said. "He is a very disciplined, fundamental lacrosse player and plays within himself, and today he got his hands free and chances to make shots, and made them…he seized the opportunity today and I was really happy for him."

Trout and Della Rocco got the scoring started to put Bellarmine up 2-0 early in the first. The Knights added two more in the second quarter to take a 4-2 halftime lead before the Knights' offense exploded and ended the contest on a 7-2 run in the final two quarters of play, which included long pole goals from both Eric Rubak and Jon Robbins late in the third, to seal the deal.

Matt Ury played a huge part in the Knights' offensive success, going 10-for-16 at the faceoff dot in a season-best performance.

"We've known all year that we were limited at the faceoff X, and we asked Matt to work on that and add that to his game," Whitley said. "He has really committed to it and has really been improving dramatically over the past few weeks, and today it just came together for him." 

Bellarmine's defense, which was anchored by a three-save performance from JC Higginbotham, blanked the Vikings in the fourth quarter. Additionally, the Knights caused 17 of the Cleveland State's 27 turnovers. The duo of Rubak (4GB/5CT) and Robbins (6GB/3CT) combined for eight of those caused turnovers.

Cleveland State was led by Tristian Hanna with two goals. Zach Whitenack and Noah Gleeson each had a goal.

Prior to the game, Bellarmine recognized the six players finishing up their playing careers along with managers Patrick Lewis and Mary Stockton.  Players recognized include: Brendan Fennell, Ian Reilly, Rubak, Trent Tomas, Dylan Tulett and Bryce Vaxman.

Bellarmine (4-9, 1-3 SoCon) hits the road next week for a SoCon matchup with Jacksonville at noon.