HILLSDALE, Mich. -- The Mercyhurst football team lost its 2018 opener to non-conference opponent Hillsdale, 14-9, on Saturday. The contest was delayed for 2 1/2 hours between the first and second half due to lightning.

The lone Laker touchdown occurred on a connection from quarterback Doug Altavilla to wide receiver Austin Hence. The TD served as the game's final points. MU failed on the ensuing two-point conversion.

Mercyhurst turned the ball over on downs in the waning moments during a drive in which it had already had one successful fourth-down conversion.

Altavilla finished 18 of 34 for 140 yards, the one TD and one interception. His brother, wide receiver Nick  Altavilla, caught four passes for 42 yards.

Running backs Fredrick Green and Garrett Owens combined for 113 yards rushing; Green went 13 carries for 62 yards while Owens was 12 for 51.

Punter Brendan Cole was impressive, averaging 53.6 yards on five punts. He boomed one 74 yards and pinned three inside the Hillsdale 20-yard-line.

On defense, linebacker Rocky Owens led the way with 11 tackles, including 1 1/2 for-loss. Defensive back Jake Tarasovitch added nine stops and linebacker Corbin Kessler had eight.

Tarasovitch, defensive back Dante' Redwood and defensive lineman Uwaila Omorogbe forced fumbles. Linebacker Chris Peluso recorded a sack, defensive back Dante Rodriguez recovered a fumble and defensive back Henry Caldwell broke up three passes.

Mercyhurst will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 8, with a 12 p.m non-conference home game against Tiffin.