SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Mercyhurst football team battled for 60 minutes with #21 Sacramento State Saturday evening in the Golden State, leading 18-7 with six minutes remaining in the first half. Despite the early lead, the Lakers defense couldn't stop the Hornets rushing attack, falling 49-28.
 
Anthony Mackey led the Lakers defense with 11 total tackles. Adam Urena threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-44 passing. Rylan Davison contributed on offense with five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. Brian Trobel added 62 rushing yards on 10 carries, scoring one touchdown and converting a rushing two-point conversion.
 
Mercyhurst capitalized on a strong offensive drive late in the first quarter to take the lead against the Hornets. After a series of strategic plays, including a 24-yard touchdown pass from Urena to Dylan Evans at 3:29, the Lakers cemented their advantage. Earlier in the quarter, Max Young's 34-yard field goal at 8:46 narrowed the gap, setting the stage for the Green and Blue to end the period ahead 10-7.
 
The second quarter saw the Lakers initially stall Sacramento State's progress through a key defensive stand, highlighted by Jean-Christophe Vital Cloutier's pass breakup. Offensively, the Lakers capitalized on the momentum, with Urena orchestrating a balanced attack, including a 21-yard pass to Joe Kerbacher on fourth down, and Brian Trobel capping a sustained 85-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at 6:02. However, despite their efforts, the Hornets responded with two late touchdowns, including a 57-yard pass, resulting in a 21-18 deficit for the Mercyhurst at halftime.
 
The third period began with the Lakers receiving the kickoff, and Chris Thompson returning it eight yards to the Mercyhurst 26. Despite an early setback from a declined pass interference penalty, the Lakers' Garrett McGuire delivered a 44-yard punt, pinning Sacramento State to their 20-yard line. Later in the period, Urena led a successful drive, connecting with Rylan Davison for a 16-yard touchdown at 3:52, bringing the score to 28-25. The period concluded with the Lakers' defense holding strong, highlighted by Timmy Fleischood Jr.'s tackle for a 5-yard loss, ensuring no further scoring by Sacramento State as the quarter ended.
 
The fourth quarter began with Sacramento State extending their lead on a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point to make it 35-25. The Lakers responded with a drive highlighted by a 22-yard pass from Urena to Kerbacher, culminating in Young's 24-yard field goal at 7:59 to narrow the gap to 35-28.
 
Kerbacher led the team in receiving yard with 61 on four receptions.
 
Despite Urena's efforts, including a successful lateral play on the kickoff return, the Green and Blue's final drives were stalled by interceptions, and Sacramento State capitalized, sealing their victory with two more rushing touchdowns.
 
The Lakers continue their three game stretch of road games next Saturday at #6/4 Montana State.