NORMAL, Ill. - Both Western Illinois and Illinois State were searching for their first win of the spring season Saturday (March 20), and the 103rd all-time meeting went to the Redbirds, 26-18. 

The Leathernecks' inability to take advantage of the short field given to them in the first half was a major factor in the outcome. Their average field position hovered around their own 40-yard line, and two drives started in Illinois State territory. Hunter Mason recovered a fumble to put his team at the ILS40 before Michael Lawson picked off the Redbird quarterback at the ILS42, and the drives respectively finished in a field goal and punt. 

Western went 0-9 in third-down attempts and 0-1 in fourth-down attempts, with four three-and-outs, to trail 14-3 at halftime.  

The Leathernecks put together their longest drive in the fourth quarter, and the 11-play, 75-yard stretch was crowned by a nine-yard rushing touchdown from Tony Tate. A 17-yard hookup and successful two-point conversion between Connor Sampson and Dennis Houston settled the final score at 26-18 with 2:47 remaining. 

The Leathernecks play at home the next two weekends with matchups against Northern Iowa (March 27) and Youngstown State (April 3). 

Notes 

- Mason Laramie sent a 53-yard field goal through the uprights for WIU's first points of the game; the kick set a new season-long while also tying for sixth all-time in program history. Taylor Rowan was the last Leatherneck to hit a 53 yarder, ironically at Illinois State in 2007.  

- Cole Watts had a hand in three sacks, 2.5 solo, and added a QB hurry 

- Adam Fellner punted nine times on the day, totaling 387 yards. Two traveled 50-plus, the longest a 58-yarder, and four dropped inside the 20. 

- Michael Lawson led the defense with a season-high 13 tackles (9 solo) and added an interception