Box Score FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Fresh off a bye week, the Loggers were energized to start Northwest Conference play at Pacific University on Saturday. Despite fielding a shuffled offense due to injuries in their two-deep lineup, Puget Sound kept it close after initially falling behind, Pacific was able to pull away in the third quarter with a final score of 28-14.   

After the Boxers' first-quarter touchdown, the Loggers were able to respond with a 74-yard drive ending with Quarterback Mason Binning connecting with Izaiah Jerenz for a 15-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, it appeared the Loggers were ready to strike again before an interception at the Boxers' two-yard line. Puget Sound had one more opportunity in the second half, but were unable to head to the locker room in the lead, trailing Pacific 19-7.   
 
In the third quarter, Puget Sound got on the scoreboard on their first possession as Binning only needed five plays before connecting again with Jerenz for a 23-yard touchdown. The touchdown brought the Loggers within one touchdown of taking the lead. However, as the time ran out in the third, Pacific was able to stretch the lead again to 26-14. The score held until a late fourth quarter safety by Pacific to seal the game as a loss for Puget Sound.  

On the day, Puget Sound put up 258 passing yardage and gained 75 net yards on the ground. Henry Hernandez returned to the lineup, rushing for 48 yards, while Jerenz gained 147 yards on seven receptions. Defensively, Amarian Culpepper delivered eight total tackles leading the team. RJ Ma'ae added five tackles upon his return to the field after a season-ending injury in 2022. Additionally, five freshmen got their first career starts.

"Credit to Pacific for being good in situational football, " said Head Coach Jeff Thomas. "We will focus on critical down plays as we get ready for Homecoming against George Fox where we will play a similar brand of football."

The Loggers move to 1-2 on the season and will be back at home on Saturday, October 7 for a 1:00 p.m. Homecoming game kickoff.