LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University fell to Dakota State University, 41-25, on Saturday night at Abel Stadium. With the loss, NWU drops to 0-1 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Dakota State wasted no time, striking on the very first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Tray Hettick connected with Austin Lake for a 48-yard touchdown just nine seconds into the contest. The Trojans continued to dominate early, adding a 27-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter to increase their lead to 10-0. Moments later, Hettick threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Melek Ford, making it 17-0. With just over eight minutes remaining in the half, Hettick found Tyce Ortman for a 4-yard touchdown, pushing Dakota State's lead to 24-0.

Nebraska Wesleyan's offense struggled to gain traction in the first half, but they found a spark late in the second quarter. Trystin Myers capped off a 65-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to put the Prairie Wolves on the board. However, a missed PAT kept the score at 24-6 going into halftime. Dakota State responded quickly in the third quarter, as Ortman broke loose for a 29-yard touchdown run, extending their advantage to 31-6.

The Prairie Wolves made a late push in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points in a strong offensive effort. Connor White connected with Tanner Johnson for a 13-yard touchdown early in the quarter, followed by a 9-yard touchdown pass to Cole Siems on the next drive. Despite the comeback attempt, Dakota State added a field goal and held off NWU's late surge to secure the 41-25 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Offense

• Connor White (QB): 30-55, 301 Yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
• Cole Siems (WR): 8 Rec, 141 Yds, 1 TD
• Trystin Myers (RB): 10 Att, 34 Yds, 1 TD

Defense

• Jacob Leu (LB): 4 Solo, 5 Ast, 9 Tot
• Chevalier Curry (DL): 3 Solo, 2 Ast, 5 Tot
• Jian Aguilar (LB): 2 Solo, 3 Ast, 5 Tot, 1 FR

Special Teams

• Jace Winkler (P): 2 Punts, 80 Yds, 40 Avg

UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan returns to action at Mayville State on Sept. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.