KINGS POINT, N.Y. -- Freshman kicker Nathan DiRado made all four of his PAT attempts and with the score tied, 28-28 with 6:50 to go in the fourth quarter, he connected on a game-winning 25-yard field goal to cap a comeback for Salve Regina University football at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in NEWMAC action at Brooks Stadium in Kings Point, New York, on Saturday afternoon.

Salve Regina (3-2, 2-0 NEWMAC) trailed 20-7 at halftime before mounting its comeback. Justan Luzzi's first-quarter touchdown had been the only Seahawk score in the first 30 minutes. Salve Regina stopped Merchant Marine on three plays opening the second half and then benefited from a penalty against the Mariners on a Patrick Woodford fair catch on the ensuing punt. Two plays later, on 2nd & 6, Jake Stack completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Andre Sullivan. Salve Regina took its first lead later in the third quarter. Facing a 4th & 12 at their own 47, the Seahawks punted with Thomas Fallon pinning the Mariners at their own five yard line. Jacob Eddy recovered a fumble for a game-tying touchdown and DiRado's kick put the Seahawks on top.

After Merchant Marine regained the lead with a rushing touchdown and two-point conversion, Stack and Sullivan teamed up again to cap a five-play scoring drive with a 20-yard touchdown. DiRado's 25-yard field goal came after a 30-yard attempt missed but an offsides penalty on the Mariners moved the Seahawks closer.

Merchant Marine had two missed field goal attempts in the final five minutes.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 31, Merchant Marine 28
Records: Salve Regina (3-2, 2-0 NEWMAC), Merchant Marine (3-1, 1-1 NEWMAC)
History: Salve Regina won the first meeting last season at Toppa Field (35-17) and improve to 2-0 in the all-time series.

SUMMARY

• 1st | 10:37    USMMA - Gervy Alota 1 yd run (Jackson Tinkis kick), 7 plays, 82 yards, TOP 2:35 | Mariners 7, Seahawks 0
• 1st | 04:54    SRU - Justan Luzzi 1 yd run (Nathan DiRado kick), 6 plays, 84 yards, TOP 2:36 | Seahawks 7, Mariners 7
• 2nd | 13:19    USMMA - Talsen Smith 32 yd pass from Gervy Alota (Jackson Tinkis kick) 4 plays, 59 yards, TOP 1:35 | Mariners 14, Seahawks 7
• 2nd | 07:27    USMMA - Gervy Alota 6 yd run (Jackson Tinkis kick failed), 1 plays, 6 yards, TOP 0:05 | Mariners 20, Seahawks 7
• 3rd | 12:23    SRU - Andre Sullivan 43 yd pass from Jake Stack (Nathan DiRado kick) 2 plays, 45 yards, TOP 0:36 | Mariners 20, Seahawks 14
• 3rd | 04:27    SRU - Jacob Eddy 0 yd fumble recovery (Nathan DiRado kick) | Seahawks 21, Mariners 20
• 4th | 13:57    USMMA - Gervy Alota 11 yd run (James Menor rush), 11 plays, 74 yards, TOP 5:24 | Mariners 28, Seahawks 21
• 4th | 11:46    SRU - Andre Sullivan 20 yd pass from Jake Stack (Nathan DiRado kick) 5 plays, 65 yards, TOP 2:06 | Seahawks 28, Mariners 28
• 4th | 06:50    SRU - Nathan DiRado 25 yd field goal 6 plays, 39 yards, TOP 3:20 | Seahawks 31, Mariners 28

NOTEWORTHY

• Jake Stack completed 17-of-27 passes for 318 yards.
• Stack's longest completion (53 yards) went to Josh Letellier who finished with three catches for 115 yards.
• Matt Moss led all tackers with 15 including six solo.
• Nick Bostrom had two interceptions.

ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina enjoys a "bye" week after winning their first two NEWMAC contests before returning to conference action at Coast Guard on October 19 (1:30 p.m.) in New London, Connecticut.