A strong start helped push the Saskatchewan Rush to a 12-9 win over the Vancouver Warriors on Saturday night at SaskTel Centre.

Saskatchewan exploded for 10 goals in the first half, but then held on as Vancouver scored seven in the second half to pull out the win.

The Rush clinched a spot in the National Lacrosse League Playoffs with Saturday's win.

"The first goal at the beginning of the season is to clinch a playoff spot,” Rush forward Robert Church told SaskRush.com after the game. “Now we want to win more games, get as high in the standings as we can, and get a home playoff game because this is a tough place to play.”

Church led the Rush with four goals and seven points, while Mark Matthews had a goal and eight points. Jeff Shattler added a hat trick and four points, and Ryan Keenan posted two goals and four points.

Saskatchewan scored seven straight goals between the first and second quarters to help them build up a 10-2 lead by halftime, but Ben McIntosh and Shattler would score the Rush’s only goals in the second half.

Goalie Adam Shute made 32 saves in the win for Saskatchewan. The Rush outshot Vancouver, 55-41, in the victory, while going 3-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.

The Rush return to action next Saturday in Denver against the Colorado Mammoth.