RICHMOND, Va. -- The Siena Heights football team dropped a 12-0 decision to NCAA Division II opponent Virginia Union in a non-conference season-opener for both teams on Saturday.
The host Panthers (1-0) took a 3-0 lead at the end of the first half and rode that momentum through the second half.
Defensive back Da'vonte Price had an interception and defensive lineman Tanner Brewer made a fumble recovery for the Saints (0-1). Wide receiver Raphael Dunson added 121 all-purpose yards.
Also for the SHU defense, Price and linebacker Nate Yeloushan made five tackles each. Defensive linemen C.J. Marious, Joseph John Mravec IV, and Nicholas Trigg had sacks while fellow defensive linemen Kyle Connors and Tyaire Bragg combined on a sack.
The squads nearly played a scoreless half until Virginia Union kicker Troy Krepich converted a 39-yard field goal as time expired on the second quarter.
On the hosts' opening drive of the second half, VUU went 67 yards in seven plays, finishing with a 5-yard hookup from quarterback Shawheem Dowdy to wide receiver Lenworth Lennon.
A punt block and safety led to Virginia Union's final two points.
The Saints' offense went 0 for 4 in the red zone, turning the ball over on downs twice, missing a field goal, and throwing an interception.
Dunson had nine catches for 89 yards, two rushes for 11 yards and one kickoff return for 21 yards.
Quarterback Travis Zajkowski completed 20 of 38 passes for 216 yards and three interceptions. He was sacked twice.
Running back Dont'e Fox was the Saints' leading rusher, finishing with six carries for 42 yards. Tight end Donovan Campbell had three catches for 55 yards and wide receiver Reggie Blackmon made three grabs for 29 yards.
The game was a penalty-laden affair as the squads combined on 20 infractions for 225 yards. Virginia Union outgained SHU, 396-304.
The Saints will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 13, when they host another NCAA Division II opponent, Saint Joseph's (Ind.), for a 1 p.m. kickoff.