Salem, Oregon - The Trinity football team lost for the second straight time to open the season on Saturday, falling 34-10 at Willamette University.

The Tigers (0-2) actually scored first in the game, capping a 63-yard drive with a short touchdown run in the second quarter.  Willamette answered with 13 points on back-to-back drives to take the lead for good.  Trinity knocked in a field goal in the final seconds to make it 13-10 at halftime.

Willamette extended the lead with a late touchdown in the third quarter, then added two more in the fourth for the final points - outscoring Trinity 21-0 in the second half.

Trinity's offense suffered five turnovers in the game, though the defense kept the game close for quite a while by forcing four turnovers of its own.  

Linebackers Connor Yorloff and Julian Turner picked up 11 tackles each to lead the Tiger defense.  Yorloff had three tackles for loss and a sack, while Turner nabbed a fumble recovery.  Jai Boatman also grabbed his second interception in as many games.

Camden Joubert and Brad Hood added nine tackles each.  Luke Packard picked up seven tackles and an interception, while J.P. Sanchez had five stops and a fumble recovery

Trinity's offense struggled all day, finishing with just 247 total yards - with 64 of those coming on the team's final drive.  The Tiger defense held Willamette to just 229 total yards, but three of the five scoring drives covered 30 yards or less.

Travis Williams led Trinity's rushing attack with 54 yards on 13 carries, while Desmond King picked up 23 yards and the team's only touchdown.  King also caught three passes for 19 yards.

Quarterback Mason Blaschke completed 9-33 through the air for 89 yards passing, but also had 15 rushes for 48 yards.  

LeAndrew Gordon led the team with 49 yards receiving on two receptions, and also had four kickoff returns for a team-best 73 yards.

Trinity will be back on the road next weekend, facing off against Sul Ross State University at 1:00 p.m. in Alpine, Texas.  The Tigers return home September 27 against Pacific Lutheran University.