LLENDALE, Mich. – Missed opportunities led to a lost football game on Saturday night as the Ashland University football team fell to No. 9 Grand Valley State 20-17.
The Lakers kicked a 23-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to earn the victory. The Eagles (5-4, 5-2 GLIAC) slipped to third place in the league, while the Lakers (9-1, 6-1 GLIAC) hold second place by themselves.
Ashland tossed a pick in the end zone and a long return set up Grand Valley’s 7-0 lead early. The Eagles fought back by booting a 31-yard field goal by sophomore Satchel Denton to cut the deficit to 7-3.
GVSU’s Chawntez Moss bolted 73 yards to push the Lakers to a 14-3 lead. Denton helped AU close to 14-6 at halftime on a 43-yard field goal.
The Eagles’ first drive of the second half reached the red zone, but a missed field goal halted the threat. Finally, Ashland tied the game with a 29-yard TD pass to redshirt-sophomore Logan Bolin. Austin Phillips caught the two-point conversion pass to tie the game at 14 with 14:52 to play.
Each team traded field goals before Grand Valley connected on the clincher.
The Eagles will close the regular season at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field next Saturday (Nov. 10) at 1 p.m. against Northern Michigan.
