ETTRICK, VA (October 28, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions, under the leadership of first year head coach Frank Turner, took a tough road loss against the Virginia State University Trojans on Saturday afternoon. The orange and blue battle ended with a final score of 75-25 in favor of VSU.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 25, Virginia State 75
Records: Lincoln (4-5, 3-4), Virginia State (8-1, 6-1)
Location: Rogers Stadium, Ettrick, VA
Series: Lincoln trails the series, 0-15, against Virginia State
 
FIRST HALF

• The 1^st quarter of the matchup did not see any Lion endzone action as the opening minutes had a score of 20-0, in favor of the Trojans.
• Lincoln began to find a groove at the start of the 2^nd quarter as Isaiah Freeman (Chester, Pa./STEM Academy High School) found Dah'mear Triplett (Elkton, Md./Elkton High School) for a 22-yard touchdown pass.
• LU continued to battle in remaining drives of the first half.
• At the end of 2^nd quarter, the Lions entered the locker room at halftime trailing with a score of 47-7.

 
SECOND HALF

• Freeman jump started the action in the second half with a 1-yard touchdown after a 4 play, 41-yard drive.
• With 10:11 left in the 3^rd quarter, the Lions continued to battle, closing the gap with a score of 47-13.
• The Trojans went on to acquire 2 more touchdowns, but the quarter could not end without the Lions answering back.
• Freeman and Triplett reconnected with seconds left in the 3^rd quarter.
• Dah'mear Triplett (Elkton, Md./Elkton High School) entered the endzone on a 25-yard pass after a hard fought 10 play, 82-yard drive.
• The 3^rd quarter ended with a score of 61-19, in favor of VSU.
• Ensuring they did not go without a fight, LU made one final successful scoring effort.
• Londyn Thomas (Waldorf, Md./St. Mary's Ryken High School) ran in for a 3-yard touchdown, ending a 9 play 65-yard Lincoln drive.
• Continuing with their homefield advantage, VSU scored with second left in the contest.
• The orange and blue, CIAA Northern Division match up ended with a final score of 75-25.
• Despite the loss, the Lions look to use this contest as motivation to improve and come back stronger for their final game of the season next week.

LION LEADERS

• Quarterback Isaiah Freeman was 16-for-32 on pass completions for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 net yards on 13 attempts for single touchdown.
• Wide Receiver, Dah'mear Triplett (Elkton, Md./Elkton High School) covered 101 yards on 5 reception for 2 touchdowns.
• Defensively, Derrick McCoy (Bridgeton, N.J./Bridgeton High School) led the Lions with 7 total tackles (6 solo, 1 assisted).

 
UP NEXT
The Lions will round out the 2023 season at LU Athletics Stadium on November 4 for Senior Day. Lincoln will host the Bulldogs of Bowie State University for a 1pm kick-off.