APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University took an early lead against Grinnell College on Saturday, but the Pioneers scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 28-7 victory at Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl.
The Vikings struck first in the opening quarter, putting together a nine-play, 74-yard drive. Jordan Pidala connected with Antonie Perry on a 14-yard touchdown pass with 9:02 remaining in the period, and Lennon Frazier added the extra point to give Lawrence a 7-0 advantage.
Grinnell got on the scoreboard with a field goal just before halftime, then added another field goal in the third quarter to cut the Vikings' lead to 7-6. Lawrence maintained its advantage until the Pioneers found the end zone early in the fourth quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Will Weber to Jack Reed. A successful two-point conversion gave Grinnell a 14-7 lead.
The Pioneers added two more touchdowns in the final five minutes, including a 63-yard scoring run by Andre Lopez, to secure the win.
Pidala completed 10 of 16 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown while adding 25 rushing yards. Perry caught four passes for 33 yards and the Vikings' lone touchdown, while Hunter Carlson led Lawrence with 50 receiving yards on three catches. Tristian Gooden paced the ground game with 41 yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, Lawrence held Grinnell to six points through the first three quarters before the late surge. The Pioneers finished with 302 rushing yards, while the Vikings recorded 151 yards of total offense.
