ADRIAN, Mich. – The Olivet Nazarene University football team kicked off their 2022 season at Siena Heights. After a dominant first half, the Tigers couldn't hold on to their early lead, falling to the Saints 28-24 in the opener.

ONU spotted Siena Heights a 7-0 lead early when the Saints blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown on the opening drive. The remainder of the first half was all Olivet Nazarene.

The Tigers were able to respond on the following drive, marching the length of the field primarily through the air. Cameron Crouch connected with Ryan Morrison-Gravenberg for a 24-yard completion to set up a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Dunnigan to even the score.

Brian Jenkins would snag a pair of touchdowns to close out the first-half scoring. The first closed a methodical 12-play drive with Jenkins climbing the ladder in the back of the endzone to make a spectacular grab, while the second was on a 58-yard strike from Crouch that gave the Tigers a two-score lead heading into the break.

Halftime: (RV) Olivet Nazarene 21, Siena Heights 7

After the Tigers built on their lead with a Kayde Mahuka field goal from 22 yards out, the second half proved to be all Siena Heights. The Saints scored three-unanswered touchdowns, primarily through their ground game, to reclaim the lead.

With six minutes left to play, the Tigers marched down the field to reach the redzone as the clock ticked down. Facing fourth down with nine yards to go, Crouch connected with Morrison-Gravenberg on a completion right at the marker. Upon measure, however, the Tigers were just short of the yard to gain to turn it over on downs. Siena Heights then put the game on ice to hand the Tigers their first loss of the season.

GAME VITALS

Final: Siena Heights 28, Olivet Nazarene 24

Records: Siena Heights 1-0 | Olivet Nazarene 0-1

Location: O'Laughlin Stadium | Siena Heights University | Adrian, Mich.

QUICK HITS

• Jenkins led the game in receiving yards (127) while hauling in two touchdowns.
• Crouch passed for 257 yards on 16-of-29 completions while throwing three touchdowns.
• Arthur Walker (10) and Evan Leake (13) both had double-digit carries.
• Mahuka was perfect on the day, going 3-for-3 on extra points and drilling his lone field goal attempt.
• Drew Hanft led the Tigers defense with six tackles.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Tigers will take their bye week before welcoming Indiana Wesleyan to Ward Field for the ONU home opener on Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CST.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu