While things seemed doubtful last week, after the Red Hawks had dropped a game to St Lawrence, the situation greatly improved on Friday when Union knocked off the Saints to open the door for RPI to win the title.

With the incentive of going back to the NCAA tournament in front of them, the Red Hawks took care of business as they netted the first 4 goals en route to a 17-7 win.

Midfielder Scott Tami got things going just two minutes into the contest, followed by Attacker Ben Terzulli sending a second goal home. After assisting on a goal by Attacker Tom Terzulli, Attacker Lucas Ruglis had the favor returned as Tom Terzulli assisted him on a score.

With the score 4-0, Hamilton got back in the game by netting 2 scores before the close of the first quarter. This was followed by another score by Ruglis before the Continentals added another score.

Then, Tom Terzulli netted back-to-back scores in under a minute. Ben Terzulli assisted on the first goal and Midfielder Nick Childs on the second. Tom Terzulli then assisted on the next goal as Ruglis scored again, making the count 8-3. Ruglis would then net 2 more scores, with Ben Terzulli assisting on both, as the half closed. This gave RPI a 10-4 advantage to work with.

The Red Hawks opened the second half much the same way they opened the first, with multiple unanswered scores.

Midfielder Dave Perlman netted the first just 12 seconds in. Tom Terzulli assisted on that goal before netting yet another just three minutes later. Ben Terzulli then fired in his second score before Hamilton finally put a couple past Goaltender Matt Moog.

The Red Hawks would open the lead a little further in the fourth when they scored 3 more to close out the scoring and produce the 17-7 final.

When all the totals were counted, Tom Terzulli finished with 4 goals and an eye-popping six assists. Ruglis led the team in goals with 5, making it another successful game for the rookie. Ben Terzulli totaled 2 goals and three assists while Perlman added 2 scores. James Gallucci, Rick Mokay, Corey Ingram, and Tami each netted a goal. In goal, Moog finished with nine saves.

The win assures the Red Hawks of a trip to the NCAA tournament, where anything can happen. In two games against top 10 teams, Springfield and Nazareth, the Red Hawks more than held their own and came close to defeating both.

The team’s ability to play with the best in the nation will be on the line tonight, when they take on No. 10 Hartwick. This game could prove to be the litmus test for the Red Hawks, telling us just how well they will do in the NCAAs.