FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Long Island University football team could not slow down the potent offense of Sacred Heart University on Sunday, dropping its first decision of the season to the Pioneers by a 35-7 margin.
 
The Pioneers outgained LIU 504-181, led by an impressive effort by running back Julius Chestnut who eclipsed 200 yards on the ground and scored four touchdowns. Tosin Oyekanmi led LIU with five receptions for 52 yards and two carries for 22 yards and a touchdown. Conor Regan added 22 yards on the ground while also completing 11 passes for 97 yards.
 
It was another big day defensive for Ricco Aaron, Jr. who led LIU in tackling for the second straight week. Aaron tallied eight solo stops and 13 total tackles, including one tackle for loss. Thomas Bolesta recorded 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, while Tariq Snead broke up three passes and made seven tackles.
 
Sacred Heart got on the board first with a two-yard touchdown run from Chestnut and added two more scoring drives during the second quarter to take a 21-0 lead into halftime. The Pioneers tacked on two more touchdowns to open the third quarter to take a commanding lead before Oyekanmi scrambled around the edge on an end-around sweep from six yards out for his first touchdown of the season. LIU could not find the end zone the rest of the way as the Pioneers held on for the victory.
 
The Blue and Gold will travel for its final road contest of the season on Sunday, March 21 at Duquesne University. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m.