DULUTH, Minn. – The Winona State Warriors (1-1, 1-1 NSIC) let a few chances go by the wayside as they fell 34-31 to Minnesota Duluth (1-1, 1-1 NSIC). Special teams' miscues and a red zone turnover would come back to haunt the team as the Bulldogs escaped with the win. 
 
Defense was optional early as both teams scored a pair of touchdowns without eight minutes coming off the clock. Winona State struck first as Jack Nelson hit Will Claussen on a 68-yard strike just 93 second into the game. UMD countered scoring 1:23 later. Not to be out done Nelson hit Cameron Johnson for the first of two first quarter scores to put Winona State up 13-6.
 
Duluth would score on the next two possessions and took a 20-13 lead with 1:52 left in the first. The high scoring quarter wasn't over as Nelson and Johnson hooked up again, this time from 39 yards out. The extra point was off again and Winona State trailed 20-19 at the quarter break.
 
The Bulldogs looked poised to strike again early in the second quarter but the Warriors came up with a red zone stop and Michael Ferrante blocked a field goal to keep the score 20-19. It was the second blocked kick for Winona State on the season. Carter McCauley nearly put Winona State back in the lead but his 54-yard field goal went just wide.
 
The Warriors were back at it though just a play later after Anthony Catanese intercepted a pass at the Winona State 32-yard line. Unfortunately, Duluth would force Winona State to go three and out and on the ensuing punt, Nate Ricci went 62 yards to the end zone, putting the Bulldogs up 27-19. It would be the final score of the half.
 
Duluth would fumble on their first drive of the second half as Jarrett Wood forced it and Sir'Vegias Steele picked up the loose ball. Winona State started their drive at the UMD 28-yardline. On the second play of the drive Paul Preston scored on a 23 yard run.
 
After the two teams traded possessions the Warriors took the lead once more as Nelson connected with Nick Margiotta from 19 yards out. After the second straight failed two-point conversion, Winona State led 31-27.
 
Winona State nearly scored again to start the fourth quarter but Nelson was picked off in the end zone. On the Warriors next drive McCauley missed a 40-yard field goal attempt wide right. Duluth would then go to work from their own 23 with 9:08 on the clock. Their drive would take 4:35 off the clock and more importantly the Bulldogs put seven points on the board to go up 34-31. Winona State had to punt on the ensuing drive and Minnesota Duluth was able to run out the clock.
 
QUICK FACTS:

• Jack Nelson threw for over 300 yards for the 16^th time in his career.
• Nelson had four touchdown passes, the 29^th time a Winona State QB had four touchdowns throwing in a game.
• Paul Preston set a new career high with 141 yards rushing on 23 attempts.
• The 141 yards by Preston was the most since Chichi Ojika had 190 yards against Southwest Minnesota State.
• Will Claussen had a career high 138 yards and touchdown.
• Four different receivers had a touchdown score.
• Andrew Spencer had a career high 15 tackles.
• Cameron Johnson is now top-ten all-time in Winona State history for catches and touchdown catches.
• Johnson is now 14^th in receiving yards in Winona State history.
• Jarrett Wood had a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
• UMD outgained the Warriors 488-392 in the game.
• The Bulldogs had six sacks on the night.
• Winona State won the turnover battle 3-1.

 
 
LOOKING AHEAD:
 

• Warriors will try to rebound next week against Northern State at home next Saturday at 1 p.m.
• Northern State beat Southwest Minnesota State 51-35 on Saturday night.
• Winona State leads the all-time series 22-16.
• The series began in 1937.