THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The Pacific Lutheran University football team outgained host California Lutheran University but was undermined by a rash of turnovers, allowing the Kingsmen to turn three into touchdowns in a 24-8 setback on Saturday at Rolland Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

The Lutes (0-1) drove into the Cal Lu redzone early in the first quarter only to fall victim to a scoop and score, as a PLU fumble was returned 60-yards for a touchdown to give the hosts the early lead. The Kingsmen (1-0) tacked on a 22-yard field goal in the second to take a 10-0 lead into the halftime intermission.

California Lutheran capitalized on two more Lute turnovers in the third to build its advantage to 24-0. A fumble recovery morphed into a four-play, 26-yard touchdown drive before CLU's Ethan Pulley picked off a pass and scampered 65-yards for another touchdown later in the quarter.

Nolan Hoover connected with Anthony Louthan in the endzone with a little over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, capping off a nine-play, 67-yard drive before connecting again for the two-point try but the Lutes were unable to inflict more damage as CLU held on for the win.

"We're disappointed in the turnovers. Ball security has got to become a top priority on offense," said Head Coach Brant McAdams. "I was disappointed in our defense too. It's hard to control a football game and get the ball back in the offense's hands when you allow 236 rushing yards. That said, I was happy with our effort and positive leadership from the start to the last whistle."

Walker LaVoy and Nolan Hoover combined to pass for 257 yards  with Louthan and Alex Rendon the most popular targets, both hauling in six passes. Louthan showed off his offensive versatility in the opener, racking up 78 receiving yards and 24 rushing yards.

"Anthony Louthan stood out on the stat sheet in multiple positions and continues to be a strong team leader."

PLU owned a 309-272 advantage in total yards while executing 13 more plays than Cal Lu. The Lutes earned more first downs and led in time of possession but were plagued by five turnovers, of which three were lost.

PLU's defense kept the Cal Lu passing game in check, limiting the hosts to a paltry 36 yards through the air, completing just three of 10 attempts, while picking off two passes.

Nicholas Bautista finished with 10 tackles to pace the defense while Matt Anthony and Max Larson added nine and seven, respectively. Hajriz Aliu and Cody Barnett each collected an interception.

The Lutes are back in action next Saturday, hosting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges at 1 p.m. at Sparks Stadium.