BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Quay Wright returned a blocked field goal 74 yards for a touchdown and the Sharks recorded two interceptions Saturday against Stonehill at Shark Stadium.
Wright provided the spark early in the third quarter. He blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt, recovered the ball and raced to the end zone.
Will Johnson's extra point gave LIU a 7-5 lead with 11:27 remaining in the quarter.
The defense created another opportunity in the fourth.
Noah Livingston's 13-yard sack on fourth down gave the Sharks possession near midfield with 8:11 left.
LIU responded with a 10-play, 51-yard touchdown drive.
Sam Slade and
Tyselle Spencer powered the ground attack before
Luca Stanzani found
Gianni Marino for a 6-yard touchdown on fourth-and-5. Johnson's extra point put the Sharks ahead 14-11 with 3:03 remaining.
Rafael Fasolino followed with an interception on Stonehill's next possession, returning it 24 yards.
Defensive Leaders
Braylon Vincent led the Sharks with eight tackles and an interception. Fasolino added six tackles, including 1.5 for loss, while
Trey Watkins finished with seven tackles and a pass breakup.
Felix Matos broke up two passes. Wright contributed four tackles and a pass breakup alongside his touchdown return. LIU held Stonehill to 92 rushing yards and 2.9 yards per carry.
Offensive Leaders
Slade led the rushing attack with 82 yards on 22 carries. Spencer added 38 yards on four attempts, averaging 9.5 yards per carry.
Marino caught five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. Stanzani completed 10 of 19 passes for 69 yards and a score without an interception.
Looking Ahead
LIU fell short, 18-14, after a Stonehill touchdown with five seconds remaining. The Sharks stand at 3-1 in NEC play with wins over Mercyhurst, Duquesne and Wagner and three conference games remaining.
LIU returns to action Nov. 7 at New Haven. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
