BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The Sharks opened up NEC play with a win Saturday afternoon, defeating Mercyhurst 27-24.
Luca Stanzani played a key role for LIU in the win, completing 10 of 18 passing attempts and rushing for 77 yards. His rushing tally was one yard off of teammate Jesiah Mcknight's game-high 78 rushing yards, including one touchdown in the contest.
Sam Slade rushed for 74 yards, including two touchdowns in the win. His first touchdown, scored at the 3:22 mark in the first quarter, helped LIU tie the game up at 7 apiece. The Sharks never trailed again, putting forth a formidable attack the rest of the way.
Stanzani, Mcknight, and Slade all boasted season-high rushing yardage marks in the victory.
In what's becoming a familiar sight for Shark Nation, Rafael Fasolino once again led LIU on the defensive end with nine tackles (7 solo, 2 assisted). LJ Hall had seven tackles (6 solo, 1 assisted), and Felix Matos, who earned himself an NEC Prime Performer nod last week, had six, including a forced fumble for the second consecutive game.
LIU returns to the field Saturday, Oct. 10, visiting Duquesne at 1 p.m.
