Waltham, Mass. -- In a rainy Northeast-10 Conference opener, the St. Anselm football team dropped a 24-0 decision to Bentley University. The Falcons are now 9-0 against the Hawks in the all-time series.

The Falcons opened the scoring in the first quarter when Wade Critides hauled in an 18-yard scoring pass from quarterback Bryant Johnson for the early 7-0 lead. Bentley capped the first-half scoring when the Falcons recorded a safety whan the snap went over the hands of punter Joseph Robichaud and through the back of the end zone.

The first half was lopsided in every sense as the Falcons outgained the Hawks 199-25 in total offense, and held a 21:44-8:16 edge in time of possession.

The Falcons increased their lead on Kelley Rowe's 5-yard TD catch. Bentley converted the two-point conversion as well to make it 17-0 with 4:55 left in the third quarter.

The Falcons added another TD when Brad Poirier picked off a pass and returned the ball 36 yards up the far sideline to make it a 24-0 contest with 12:47 left in the game.

St. Anselm sophomore split end Marc Wilson made six catches for 36 yards. Pierce was 18 for 48 for 159 yards.

The loss dropped St. Anselm's record to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the Northeast-10. Bentley improved to 3-0 overall and is 1-0 in league play.

St. Anselm will play at Pace University next Saturday (noon).