Men's Hockey | 12/17/2011 7:43:00 PM

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MOON TOWNSHIP, PA -- In a battle for first place in the Atlantic Hockey Association standings, the RIT men's hockey team (8-6-2, 7-4-2 AHA) was defeated 4-0 at Robert Morris University (9-6-2, 7-2-2 AHA) on Saturday night at the Island Sports Center. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak by the Tigers, as they fall into a three-way tie for second place in the AHA standings behind Air Force.

"They (Robert Morris) were the better team tonight," said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. "We gave up way too many odd-man rushes and did not make good decisions."

The lone goal of the first period came at 5:08 when Adam Brace scored off a rebound. Cody Crichton fired a shot that RIT goaltender Shane Madolora (Salinas, CA/) saved, but, the rebound came right to Brace who tipped home a shot into the open net.

RIT's best scoring chance came with 9:31 to play in the period off a rush. Nolan Descoteaux (Dallas, TX/South Shore Kings) sped the puck up the ice, gaining the Robert Morris zone. He fed a streaking Scott Knowles (Riverside, Ontario/) in front, but his one-timer was deflected away by Colonials goaltender Brooks Ostergard.

The Tigers had a flurry late in the period, firing three straight shots on net, but failed to break the line, as they were shutout for the fourth time in 16 games this season. The four shutouts are the most in a single season at RIT.

Robert Morris made it 2-0 on Brace's second goal of the game 7:55 of the second period. Crichton fed Brace on a 2-on-1 break by the Colonials and his shot snuck in between Madolora's outstretched skate and the post.

The Colonials took a 3-0 lead late in the second period on a goal by Scott Jacklin. Nick Chiavetta fired a shot over the RIT net. The puck ricoched off the glass and right to Jacklin who scored into the empty net. Madolora never had a shot to make a play on the puck.

RIT had a 5-on-3 power play early in the second period, firing two shots on net but coming away with no goals.

Robert Morris had the only goal in the third period on a goal by Cody Wydo.

Shane Madolora (Salinas, CA/) took the loss for RIT, stopping 23 shots, falling to 7-3-1 this season. Ostergard got the win making 32 saves.

RIT out shot Robert Morris 32-27. RIT was 0-for-6 on the power play, while the Colonials were 1-for-8 with the man advantage.  The Tigers are now 0-3-1 all-time at the RMU Sports Center.

The Tigers are off until Dec. 29 when RIT takes on No. 10. Ferris State at the Catamount Classic hosted by the University of Vermont.  That contest gets underway at 4 p.m.