PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's lacrosse got back in the win column on Saturday afternoon on a sunny afternoon in SHI Stadium. The Scarlet Knights earned a 10-5 victory over Loyola.

"After last week we had a bad taste in our mouth," head coach Brian Brecht said. "I liked the way we practiced this week with good pace and we brought that energy into the game."

Rutgers was led by freshman JJ Aiello offensively with three goals and two assists. Shane Murphy added two goals. Hayden Sommer, Colin Kurdyla, Kasey Mongillo, Nate Austin-Johnstone and Ben Stephanos all had one goal apiece.

Cardin Stoller excelled between the pipes for RU with 13 saves, allowing just five goals. Rutgers, who entered the game fifth nationally in scoring defense, still have not allowed an opponent to reach double-digit goals. That marks the first time that RU has held an opponent to single-digits in five straight games since the first five games of the 2010 season.

"Cardin Stoller has been our leader on the defensive end," Brecht continued. "The consistency he has and the level of play he competes at gives us a chance in any matchup. I'm proud of him and the whole defense for how they've been doing all year."

Faceoff specialist Matthew Paolatto won 16-of-19 faceoffs, his second straight week winning over 80%, also scooping seven ground balls. LSM Ryan Splaine had two caused turnovers and four ground balls. SSDM Joe Jungerkes had four ground balls. Defenseman Ben Stephanos had four ground balls in addition to his first collegiate goal.

"The defense is the elder statesmen this year with more experience at that end," Brecht explained. "We're young offensively, but we'll keep growing up week by week. And I thought that our offense took a step forward today."

Loyola scored the first goal of the day, but RU quickly answered. After taking a 2-1 lead at the 8:40 mark of the first quarter, the Scarlet Knights never trailed again. RU led 4-1 late in the first quarter, 7-3 in the early third quarter, and 10-4 midway through the fourth quarter.

Matthew Paolatto won the last 16 faceoffs of the game, helping RU establish possession. Overall, RU led in shots, 47-29, and ground balls, 39-22. 

Rutgers remains home, with the next four games in New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights are back in action next Saturday, March 1, hosting St. Joe's.

Postgame Notes
- JJ Aiello had a career high three goals
- Shane Murphy matched his season-high of two goals
- Cardin Stoller had a save percentage of 72.2%, his second time over 70% this season and fifth time in his 19 game career. 
- Stoller had had double-digit saves in all five games this season.