Playing the top-rated team in the country in the semifinal round of the Liberty League Tournament made for a long day for the Clarkson University Lacrosse team on Friday afternoon as the Golden Knights fell to RIT 17-4 in Rochester.

The Golden Knights, who were making their third appearance in the conference tournament over the past four years, closed out the 2015 campaign with a 7-8 overall record.

Clarkson would match the Tigers early, tying score at 1-1 with sophomore Ryan St. Croix's goal three minutes in, but the Tigers close out the first quarter with three straight goals to make it 4-1 after the opening 15 minutes. RIT then scored the first three goals in the second quarter to build a 7-1 advantage with nine minutes remaining in the half before the Green and Gold would get on the scoreboard again with a tally from senior Jack Dowst with 2:08 left to put halt to the Tigers' six-goal run.

Freshman Sam Groves scored the Knights' third goal to open the second half, but once again RIT went on a lengthy run with eight straight goals to seal its 17th straight win. The Tigers scored four in the third quarter to hold an 11-3 lead through 45 minutes and then outscored Clarkson 6-1 in the final frame to seal the win at home.

Senior Corey Herrington rounded out Clarkson's goal scorers.

RIT outshot Clarkson 46-20 and controlled ground balls 40-18. Senior Dylan Broomfield picked up a team-high four ground balls for the Knights.

Sophomore Nick Strandholm posted 15 saves for Clarkson.

Ryan Lee led all scorers with five goals and one assists for the Tigers.

RIT will now host Union in Sunday's Liberty League Tournament Championship game.