PISCATAWAY, NJ — An assertive opening quarter set the tone for No. 19 Rutgers in Saturday's 21-8 win over the Bellarmine University lacrosse team at SHI Stadium.

Rutgers' suffocating pressure on Bellarmine clearance attempts spearheaded the push to an 8-1 lead after one quarter for the Scarlet Knights (7-2), who represented BU's fourth nationally ranked opponent of the season.

Colin Kurdyla was an in-season addition to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and the reasons for that recognition could be witnessed in his four-goal, five-assist performance against Bellarmine (4-6). Kurdyla got established early, scoring the first two goals for Rutgers, assisting on the third and netting the fifth.

Joe Alie tallied three goals for Bellarmine. It was the sixth hat trick of the season for the sophomore attack. Two of the goals were off assists from brother John Alie, a senior attack who registered two goals alongside his pair of helpers.

Although Rutgers' 10-man ride on clears bothered Bellarmine — the Knights were 1-for-6 in the first quarter — one of the contest's most notable highlights came when goalkeeper Nolan Hudnut beat the hounding pressure by launching a shot over the entire defense and into the deserted net for the first goal of his career. Hudnut also collected 15 saves.

Junior attack Ian Kohut and senior attack Michael Blaymires added one goal apiece for Bellarmine. Sophomore attack Ezra Moore and freshman attack Jack Fischel chipped in one assist each. Senior defender Nick Ferge supplied a pair of caused turnovers and matched junior defender Jackson Campisano with three ground balls apiece.

Bellarmine will host Marquette at noon (ET) Saturday in its nonconference finale.

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