DURHAM, N.H. — The Holy Cross football team fell short against the University of New Hampshire in a 19-16 setback on Saturday, Sept. 6.

In a game that was delayed an hour by thunderstorms, a strong defensive effort paced the Crusaders (0-2) early. Holy Cross had two interceptions on the day, one from junior edge Ross Dansdill and a pick-six by junior cornerback Eli Thompson. Senior safety Tommy Bestpitch tied for the team lead with nine tackles, including seven solo stops. Junior linebacker Cam Santee had nine tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. 

Offensively, junior running back Jayden Clerveaux rushed for 66 yards and a score. Senior receiver Max Mosey had four receptions for 56 yards. 

Wildcats kicker Nick Reed kicked four field goals on the day, including a 50-yarder and the game-winning 40-yarder as time expired. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• On New Hampshire's opening drive of the game, Thompson picked off a pass at the 24-yard line and returned it for a touchdown. The Crusaders missed the point after, but held a 6-0 advantage just a minute and a half into the game. 
• The Wildcats immediately responded, taking a 7-6 lead just 13 seconds later on a 53-yard touchdown pass. 
• Senior kicker Luis Palenzuela's 34-yard field goal gave Holy Cross a 9-7 advantage with 7:39 left in the first quarter. 
• New Hampshire took a 10-9 lead with a 33-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. 
• The Crusaders held the Wildcats to a field goal with 2:05 left in the third to make it a 13-9 game.
• After a 21-yard completion to Mosey, Clerveaux had four straight carries, capped by a one-yard run into the end zone to put Holy Cross back ahead, 16-13, with 12:13 remaining. 
• New Hampshire tied up the game with 9:13 left after a 50-yard field goal.  
• Holy Cross sophomore quarterback Cal Swanson keyed a strong late drive, including a 28-yard keeper to put the ball at the nine-yard line. After a pair of rushes, Swanson was sacked on third down, and the Crusaders missed the field goal to keep the game deadlocked at 16-16 with 1:40 remaining. 
• The Wildcats capped a nine-play, 58-yard drive with a 40-yard field goal to win the game as time expired. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE: 

• Thompson now has four career interceptions; this was his first career pick-six. 
• Dansdill's interception was the first of his career. 

UP NEXT: 

• The Crusaders will play their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13 against the University of Rhode Island. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Fitton Field. 
• Both season and single-game tickets are available by visiting goholycross.com/fbtix or by calling 1-844-GO-CROSS. 

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