Sept. 14, 2002

Box Score

Duquesne University (2-0/1-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) overcame five turnovers with a stifling defense to hold off upset-minded Siena (0-2/0-2 MAAC) 17-7 in a MAAC Football League (MAACFL) game played at Christian Brothers Academy on Saturday afternoon. The win prevented what would have been the greatest upset in MAACFL history.

Mike Hilliard rushed for 102 yards on 28 carries including the game's first touchdown in a victorious effort for Duquesne. Hilliard's score, a nine-yard dash, came with just over three minutes remaining in the first half and gave the Dukes a 10-0 lead.

Siena pulled within three early in the fourth quarter as Christian Karolus found tight end Charles Reese with an eight-yard touchdown strike. Karolus was 3-for-3 for 57 yards on the eight-play, 87-yard drive.

With the exception of that scoring drive, the Siena offense struggled all afternoon. The Saints amassed just 124 yards of total offense, including just 40 yards rushing on 42 attempts. Siena's defense was also up to the task, holding the Duquesne passing game to only 171 yards. Junior sensation Dan Smacchia had his second solid performance of the season, recording 18 tackles to anchor the Saints' defense. Senior Paul Coen had three pass defenses and an interception leading a strong effort by the Siena secondary.