By Christian Bond, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

PORTLAND – The Pacific Lutheran defense forced four turnovers and freshman quarterback Walker LaVoy threw for two touchdowns in his first collegiate start as the Lutes won their final road game of the year 26-7 over Lewis & Clark Saturday afternoon at Griswold Stadium.

LaVoy played well in his first start, finishing the day 14-of-23 passing for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with two different receivers on long scoring passes, as Beau Lockmer caught a 25-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter and Garrett Hittner caught a 30-yard touchdown midway through the fourth to put the game away.

Marc Gallant got the scoring started for the Lutes in the second quarter. Gallant was able to rush into the end zone from three yards out, capping a five-play 50-yard drive. He added a 25-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to finish off a 10-play, 70-yard drive and finished the day with a game-high 66 yards and the two scores.

The Pacific Lutheran defense limited the Lewis & Clark quarterbacks to only 17 completions on 37 attempts for 197 yards, and three different Lutes picked off passes in the win. Late in the second quarter, Derek Chase intercepted Mike Machado's pass and returned it 19 yards. Isaiah Watkins intercepted a pass from Niko Fortino at the end of first half, and Reggie Collins picked off a pass in the end zone late in the fourth quarter.

The Lute offense was efficient, converting seven of 15 tries on third down and averaging 4.9 yards per play to total 333 yards and 19 first downs. PLU also controlled the time of possession, hanging on to the ball for 36:38. The defense was able to hold the Pioneer offense to a mere 243 total yards of offense.

The Lutes will return home next weekend to host Linfield in the final game of the 2015 season. PLU will celebrate both Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.