The Gustavus football team dropped to 0-3 on the season with a 7-3 loss at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn. on Saturday. The Gusties drove down to the Piper 21-yard line with :30 seconds left in the contest but could not score the touchdown that would have given them the victory. The Gustie offense continued to struggle managing only 237 yards of total offense and scoring three points while turning the ball over three times. The defense continued its strong play limiting the Pipers to seven points and forcing two turnovers.
Gustavus took a 3-0 lead in the game when Jordan Stolp kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter. Hamline looked like they might be able to get on the scoreboard just before the half, however Kevin Hegland picked off a Piper aerial at the Gustavus goal line with :34 left allowing the Gusties to take a 3-0 lead into the lockerroom at halftime.
Hamline would score its only points of the game midway through the third period. Cornerback Tyler Schultz intercepted a Jordan Stolp pass at the Gustavus 37-yard line giving the Pipers excellent field position. Six plays later quarterback Andy Seymour hit wide receiver Joe Anderson with an 11-yard touchdown pass giving the Pipers a 6-3 lead. Hamline added the extra point to make the score 7-3.
The Gusties would be forced to punt on their next offensive possession, however it looked as if the team caught a big break when Hamline fumbled the punt and Gustavus recovered at the Piper 33-yard line. The Gusties drove to the Hamline 20-yard line, however on a fourth-and-nine, Piper defensive end Aaron Seliga sacked Gustavus quarterback Jordan Stolp and forced a fumble which Hamline recovered.
In the fourth quarter, both defenses dominated play until the Pipers intercepted their second Gustavus pass of the day and took possession at the Gustavus 31-yard line. The Gustie defense turned the Pipers away at the 23-yard line when a Hamline pass fell incomplete on fourth-and-two with 7:04 left in the game.
The Gusties would get their final opportunity with 1:19 left in the game after a Hamline punt gave them possession on their own 32-yard line. Stolp would guide the Gusties swiftly down the field, but could not connect on several passes into the end zone from the Hamline 25-yard line in the final seconds of the game.
Gustavus was led defensively by linebacker Jared Sieling who recorded 11 tackles (eight solo) and recovered a fumble. Defensive tackle Nick David contributed eight tackles and free safety Kevin Hegland recorded five tackles and intercepted a pass. Offensively, the team was led by running back Drew Stifter who rushed 15 times for 64 yards and caught 10 passes for 64 yards.
Gustavus will host Saint John’s next Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1:00 pm.