PUYALLUP, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University football team celebrated its 22 seniors Saturday afternoon at Sparks Stadium, honoring the graduating class before taking on Lewis & Clark College in their final home game of the season. Despite a strong offensive effort, the Lutes fell to the River Otters 46-31.
The Lutes (3-6, 2-4 NWC) got off to a quick start, with
Dallas So'oto opening the scoring on a 39-yard rushing touchdown to give Pacific Lutheran an early 7-0 lead.
Lewis & Clark responded with a touchdown of their own before adding another score late in the first quarter to take a 16-7 advantage.
In the second quarter, the River Otters extended their lead with a field goal, but the Lutes answered with a big play through the air. So'oto connected with
Dayton Savea for a 45-yard touchdown reception, bringing the score to 19-14.
The River Otters added another touchdown before halftime, taking a 26-14 lead into the break.
The Lutes opened the second half with a safety, cutting into the deficit and making it a 26-16 game. However, Lewis & Clark answered with another touchdown to extend its lead to 33-16 heading into the fourth quarter.
The River Otters added another rushing touchdown early in the final quarter, but the Lutes continued to fight. So'oto connected with
Keola Correa for a one-yard touchdown pass, and
Nick Siegel later found
Preston Santi for a 21-yard touchdown. The Lutes also converted the two-point attempt, bringing the final score to 46-31.
"Loved our effort and energy today. Have to execute better across the board," said Head Coach
Brant McAdams. "Super proud of this senior class. The result today doesn't reflect the positive impact they've had on our program the last four years."
The Lutes finished with 316 yards of total offense, including 223 passing yards. So'oto completed 24 of 34 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns while adding 77 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Savea had a standout performance, leading the Lutes with seven receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Santi added three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown, while Correa finished with a receiving touchdown of his own.
Defensively,
Jackson Hale and
Micah Ragaza-Bourassa led the Lutes with 10 total tackles each. Hale also recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, while
Kalaiakea Yap added seven tackles and a sack.
The Lutes will hit the road for their final game of the season next Saturday, Nov. 14, traveling to Newberg, Oregon, to take on George Fox University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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