MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Benedictine University football team opened play in the NACC with a 17-6 loss to Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday.

Defense set the tone for most of the contest. Both teams were plagued by turnovers early. The first points of the contest came following an interception. Wisconsin Lutheran moved the ball 34 yards on eight plays and kicked a 38-yard field goal to grab a 3-0 lead with 7:24 to go in the opening quarter.

After a three and out with a short punt, the lead extended to 10-0. Just three plays were needed for the first touchdown of the day with 5:33 remaining in the first. The second quarter started slow, but Wisconsin Lutheran extended the advantage to 17-0 with a 12-play drive with just 2:35 left.

The lone points for Benedictine came in the final moments of the half. A short punt set up the Eagles at the Wisconsin Lutheran 24 with just :26 to play. Ryan Keener completed a pair of passes including an 18-yard strike to Omar Lopez with :03 remaining for the lone score. The point after was blocked. Neither team was able to score in the second half. Wisconsin Lutheran missed a field goal while Benedictine twice moved deep into Wisconsin Lutheran territory but could not score.

Benedictine did not gain a positive yard on the ground on 20 attempts but totaled 259 through the air. Keener completed 20 passes for 213 yards with a touchdown. Luke Ludolph also completed five passes. Greg German snared nine passes for 144 yards. Artie Monaco also caught five passes and rushed seven times.

Benedictine (1-4, 0-1) travels to Aurora next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.