The Saskatchewan Rush had their four-game winning streak snapped in Rochester as they lost 16-11 to the Knighthawks in National Lacrosse League action on Saturday night.

Mark Matthews had a hat trick and four points, while Ben McIntosh also lit the lamp three times in the loss.

Saskatchewan falls to 8-2 on the year with the loss. They remain two-and-a-half games ahead of the Colorado Mammoth for first place in the Western Division.

The Rush exploded out of the gates with goals from Matthews, Robert Church and Mike Messenger in the opening 5:15 of the game. Ryan Dilks scored in the final minute as they built up a 4-3 lead after one.

Rochester controlled the second period, scoring five straight goals at one point to take a 9-7 lead heading into halftime. Matthews scored twice in the period, while Jeremy Thompson had the other marker for Saskatchewan.

McIntosh scored twice in the third period, but the Rush weren’t able to close the gap, and the Knighthawks scored five times in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

McIntosh completed his hat trick and Ryan Keenan scored his 14th of the season in the fourth, but the Rush couldn’t battle their way back.

Evan Kirk and Tyler Carlson made 19 saves each in the loss for Saskatchewan, while Matt Vinc turned away 41 shots for the Knighthawks.

The Rush are off now until next Saturday when they host the Calgary Roughnecks for a rivalry game at SaskTel Centre.