The St. Lawrence University Football team surrendered 27 points in the first quarter to Mount Union, ranked No. 1 in the country, but battled back and played the final three quarters to within five points falling by a 55-23 score Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament at Mount Union in Alliance, OH.

Mount Union (11-0) scored on its first four possessions to take the early lead and scored two more TDs in the second quarter before St. Lawrence (8-3) got on the board with a Mike Lefflbine to Vincenzo Ferraro 15-yard TD pass with 5:46 left in the first half.

On the next Saints possession, Lefflbine was knocked down and out of the game as a result of a roughing the passer call against Mount Union and backup quarterback Sean Richardson came on to finish the game.

Lefflbine left the game after completing 10-of-22 passes for 120 yards and capturing one last school record as he eclipsed the record for Total Offense in a season. Lefflbine ends his career as the all-time leader in career passing completions, yards, TDs and total offense as well as season records for attempts, completions, yards, TDs and total offense.

Richardson led the Saints to a pair of scoring drives in the fourth quarter with TD passes to Leondre Simmon of 17 and 31 yards.

The St. Lawrence defense also put points on the board forcing a safety on a Chyron Brown-Wallace quarterback hurry and chop block penalty call in the end zone in the fourth quarter as well.

The 23 points and the 379 yards of total offense were both the most allowed by Mount Union this season. The Raiders advance in the tournament to face Albright who downed Norwich 49-0.

Richardson finished 15-for-34 for 256 yards and two TDs. Ferraro tied a school record with 13 receptions and 185 yards, Mitch Gallagher had five catches for 59 yards and Simmon had four catches and 71 yards.

Skyler Williamson led the defense with 11 tackles including nine solo while Simmon chipped in seven tackles (six solo) with one for loss and a forced fumble.