SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Strong defense by the Monroe University–New Rochelle football team (0-1 overall) proved to be not enough as the Mustangs fell to American International College (1-0 overall) 17-3 in their season opener on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
· After the Yellow Jackets reached the one-yard line on a 69-yard drive in the first quarter. Bo Catherwood then squeezed through the Mustangs' defense at the one- yard line to give AIC a 7-0 lead with 3:48 left in the quarter.
· In the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets struck again with a four-yard touchdown catch by Hardley Gilmore to give AIC a 14-0 lead with 9:47 left in the first half.
· In the third quarter, an interception by Devon Sawyer at the Monroe 49-yard line led to the Mustangs getting the ball and then driving it up the field to the AIC 21-yard line.
· Monroe ended the drive on a 39-yard field goal completion by Dimitri Grieb to narrow the Yellow Jackets' lead to 14-3.
· AIC then tacked on one more field goal in the game, resulting the 17-3 loss.
STATS AND NOTES
· This is the first NCAA Division II game the Mustangs have played in program history.
· Zavry Ward led the Mustangs at quarterback, going 11-24 passing with zero interceptions on the day. It's the sixth game in his career without throwing an interception.
· Jamal Abdal-Khallaq led the receiving corps with three receptions for 55 yards.
· Grieb knocked in his first made field-goal as a Mustang.
· Four Mustangs tallied five tackles in the game, while Davon Sawyer tallied his first career interception as a Mustang.
UP NEXT
· The Mustangs return to action on Friday, September 4, when they host Lackawanna College. Game-time is set for 6:00 p.m.
