PUYALLUP, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University football team scored twice through the air in the first half but a slew of turnovers derailed the Lutes home opener, falling 17-14 to California Lutheran University on Saturday at Sparks Stadium.

The homestanding Lutes (1-2) got on the board on their second drive of the game with Erik Bainter hitting Manuel Felan for a 70-yard touchdown strike to take an early 7-0 lead. The Kingsmen (2-2) answered early in the second quarter, recovering a fumble and covering 32 yards on just three plays to knot the score with 12:14 left before halftime.

Pacific Lutheran regained the lead with 63 seconds left in the first half after Kellan Kranc connected with John Walker on a 34-yard pass to cap off a quick two-play, 40-yard drive.

Cal Lutheran tied the game early in the fourth quarter. The Kingsmen stopped the Lutes on a fourth and 12 on the Cal Lu 28-yard line before marching 72 yards on seven plays to tie the game at 14 with 12:58 remaining.

PLU fumbled the ensuing kickoff allowing the Kingsmen to set up shop on a short field at the 20-yard line. The Lute defense held strong but the Kingsmen were able to boot a 39-yard field goal that ultimately proved the difference maker.

PLU fumbled on the Cal Lu 27-yard line on its next possession and was intercepted with 2:14 remaining as Cal Lutheran did just enough to hang on for the win.

"Our offense showed some sparks of what we did well last week at La Verne but we've got to be better at sustaining drives and coming away with points" said Head Coach Brant McAdams.

"Our defense played really solid football but four turnovers is a steep hole to climb out of. Our team is resilient and I'm looking forward to seeing how we bounce back next week when we start Northwest Conference play."

Raysen Motoyama rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per rush. Bainter, Kranc, and Darius Chaffin combined for 158 yards through the air with Walker the top target with four receptions for 47-yards. Felan finished with three catches for 87-yards.

Kalen Davis-White spearheaded the defense with 14 tackles, including two TFLs and one sack. Jared Elwin had eight tackles and three pass breakups withe Michael Gurr had six tackles, two breakups, and an interception. Aiden Shroyer was a menace on the defensive line, collecting a pair of sacks.

PLU's defense limited Cal Lu to just 50 rushing yards, averaging 1.9 yards per carry.

The Lutes open up Northwest Conference play next Saturday against George Fox University. Kickoff in Newberg, Oregon is set for 4:30 p.m.