FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2001

HAWKS ROLL TO 3-0 WITH VICTORY OVER CANISIUS

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Matt Merklinger scored four touchdowns as Monmouth University moved to 3-0 overall for the first time since the program’s inception in 1993 with a 42-0 victory over Canisius College Saturday afternoon at Kessler Field.

The Hawks rolled up 323 rushing yards behind 100-yard efforts from Chad Smith (120 yards on 11 carries) and Matt Merklinger (104 yards on 12 carries). It marked the first time since October 16, 1999 and third time ever that Monmouth had two 100-yard rushers in a single game.

It took less than two minutes for Monmouth (3-0) to take the lead as Merklinger scampered 45 yards for a touchdown with 13:43 remaining in the first quarter. Merklinger scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard plunge to give the Hawks a 14-0 lead with 4:03 left in the opening stanza.

The Hawks took a 21-0 lead into halftime as Merklinger scored on a 25-yard screen pass from Bill Rankin.

The momentum continued in Monmouth’s favor coming out of the intermission as Canisius (0-3) fumbled on its first play from scrimmage. The Hawks recovered and later converted on a 23-yard Ryan Peterson field goal to push the cushion to 24-0. The Golden Griffins next drive stalled after just three plays and MU’s Kevin Faulkner returned the ensuing punt 53-yards for a touchdown. The Hawks missed the extra point, making the lead 30-0 with 11:56 remaining in the third quarter. Faulkner’s punt return for a touchdown was the first ever in school history.

Merklinger added his final touchdown on a 6-yard run midway through the fourth quarter and Doug Stetz capped the scoring with a 24-yard TD run with 2:12 left in the contest.

The loss was the 23rd in a row for the Golden Griffins. The victory gave Monmouth five consecutive wins, the second longest streak in school history.

Playing without All-Northeast Conference linebacker Joe Sentipal who is sidelined with mono, the Hawks defense which ranked 15th in the nation coming into Saturday’s game, allowed just 116 yards in the contest, including 51 passing yards.

Monmouth returns to action on Saturday, October 6 as the Hawks host C.W. Post in a 1 p.m. contest at Kessler Field. Canisus is slated to host Albany next Saturday at 4 p.m.