(PAINESVILLE, Ohio) – Historically Lake Erie has never shied away from tough competition to start the season and this year was no different as the Storm were downed by Rockhurst 20-12 Friday afternoon. It was the season opener for the No. 19 team in the nation, while the Hawks improved to 3-0 on the short year. Neil Gardner provided the bulk of the offense for the Green and White as he was a component in six scores on four goals and two assists. The final of those came in the middle of the fourth quarter to cut the Storm's deficit to 15-12, but the Hawks were able to close the game with the final five scores. Leading the way for Rockhurst was Sam Lindahl who scored a game-high seven points on six goals and one assist. He opened the game with the first two scores and started the second quarter in similar fashion with the first goal of that period as well. Despite taking the loss, Johnny Wilson III remained strong with some impressive saves. At the end of the day he totaled 20 on 66 shots faced. He added six ground balls as well for team-high honors. Mack Fall played well defensively with five caused turnovers and four ground balls as well. The Storm will have a just over a week off before they hit the field again with another quality opponent in defending national champion Merrimack. Face-off with the Warriors is set for 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 3.