This was a battle for first place in the MASCAC, featuring two teams undefeated in conference play going in.  And it lived up to the billing.

UMass Dartmouth jumped out to an early lead, and made some key stops defensively in the fourth quarter, as the Corsairs defeated Western Connecticut, 41-30.  With the win, the Corsairs are alone in first place atop the MASCAC.

The home team jumped out to a fast 21-0 lead behind three touchdown passes from Dante Aviles-Santos.  But the Wolves were able to weather the storm and get their offense rolling, outscoring the Corsairs 23-6 the rest of the half.  UMass Dartmouth led 27-23 at halftime.

WestConn took its first lead in the third quarter when John Giller hit Julian Ferguson for a 40-yard strike.  But the Corsairs responded, and re-took the lead for good when Kevin Brown scored from 4 yards out.  The home team kept the Wolves out of the end zone in the fourth quarter.  A 21-yard run by Jalyn Aponte with about 3 minutes remaining put the Corsairs up by 11.  WestConn threatened to pull closer in the final 2 minutes but Giller was picked off in the end zone on 4^th down.

The Corsairs had over 500 yards of offense.  WestConn had almost 400.  Giller threw for just under 300 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs.

Next week: UMass Dartmouth plays at Westfield State.  WestConn hosts Framingham State.