McMINNVILLE, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University football team battled through a challenging afternoon against Linfield University on Saturday, falling 41-0 in Northwest Conference action at Maxwell Field.
Despite the difficult result, the Lutes saw several individual efforts on offense and defense, including a pair of receivers who combined for 138 yards through the air.
Quarterback Dallas So'oto completed 14 of 24 passes for 183 yards, distributing the ball across the field while working against a Linfield defense that recorded six sacks. So'oto connected with Sam Tracy for a 65-yard reception, the Lutes' longest pass play of the afternoon. Tracy finished with 71 receiving yards on two catches, while Connor Meade led PLU with four receptions for 67 yards.
Pacific Lutheran struggled to establish consistency on the ground, finishing with negative two net rushing yards on 27 attempts. Darius Sum led the Lutes' rushing attack with 17 net yards on nine carries as the offense worked to find openings against a persistent defensive front.
The Lutes continued to compete defensively, with JJ Miles and Landen Downey leading the team with eight total tackles apiece. Eli Fernandez and Mason Taylor-Wells added seven tackles each, while Devon Green recorded two tackles for loss.
PLU's defense faced a difficult challenge against a Linfield offense that accumulated 422 total yards. The Lutes recorded six tackles for loss and worked to limit the Wildcats' opportunities, but Linfield capitalized on its offensive possessions to build its lead throughout the contest.
The Lutes return to action Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting Whitworth University at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup, Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
