TACOMA, Wash. - The Puget Sound Logger defense did their part, holding the Menlo Oaks to just three yards rushing, but the Oaks got a couple big plays and the Logger offense couldn't respond, falling 14-3 in a Northwest Conference football game on Saturday afternoon at Peyton Field at Baker Stadium in Tacoma, Wash.

The Oaks (2-4, 1-1 NWC) struck early when Cruz Castillo connected with Kenny Cavness for a 39-yard touchdown on Menlo's second play of the game to give the Oaks a 7-0 lead with 12:40 remaining in the first quarter.  The two defenses took over for the remainder of the half as the teams would trade possessions as Menlo took the 7-0 lead into the break.

In the second half, the Logger offense started moving the ball but the Oaks were always there to prevent the Loggers from getting near the endzone.  The play of the game for Puget Sound came with 14:12 left to play in the game when linebacker Tyler Vlasak (Sumner, Wash.) forced a fumble while sacking Castillo for a 14-yard loss and then recovered the fumble for a 19 yard return.

The play by Vlasak helped the Loggers set up their only points of the afternoon as Peter Topolski (University Place, Wash./Covenent) nailed a 25-yard field goal to get Puget Sound back within a touchdown, 7-3, with 10:33 left the play.

After exchanging possessions, Menlo put the game out of reach as Castillo connected with James Bassett for a 18-yard touchdown and a 14-3 Menlo lead with 6:35 remaining to play.  The Logger offense would try to get something to happen but Puget Sound was held to just 10 yards combined over their final two possession as Menlo spoiled the Loggers' homecoming festivities, picking up the 14-3 victory.

The Loggers were led by the offensive play of Kavin Williams (Ocean Shores, Wash./North Beach) who ran for 80 yards on 25 attempts and also passed for 48 yards on five-of-13 passing with two interceptions.  Spencer Crace (Wilsonville, Ore.) also attempted eight passes for Puget Sound, connecting on three for 32 yards.  Freshman Ross Zuhl (Issaquah, Wash.) was the favorite target for the quarterbacks, making five catches for 39 yards. 

Defensively, the Loggers were led by eight tackles from Vlasak, who also recorded two tackles-for-loss, including the one sack.  The three rushing yards allowed is the lowest total allowed by the Logger defense since they held Menlo to negative one yard rushing on Nov. 4, 2006.

Menlo was led by 22-of-33 passing for 272 yards and two touchdowns by Castillo.  Payton Bell finished with 12 carries for 31 to lead the Oaks in rushing.  Bassett was the leading receiver for Menlo, catching seven passes for 51 yards and one touchdown.  Defensively, the Oaks were led by eight tackles from Chris Tosello.

The Loggers will look for their first win of 2009 next Saturday when they play host to Whitworth.  Kickoff with the Pirates is set for 1:00 p.m. on Peyton Field at Baker Stadium in Tacoma, Wash.