The MSU-Northern Lights put together a strong defensive performance to earn their first win of the season, defeating Eastern Oregon 23-7 on Saturday afternoon.

Northern struck first with a touchdown in the opening quarter, but the Mountaineers answered in the second to even the score at 7-7 going into halftime.

The third quarter belonged to linebacker Spenser Lehnerz, who made two interceptions and returned both for touchdowns, sparking a 13-0 run that gave the Lights full control. A fourth-quarter field goal sealed the 23-7 victory.

The Lights' offense totaled 262 yards (107 passing, 155 rushing). Kendall O'Neill was efficient, completing 11 of 16 passes for 107 yards. Roman Bradley paced the ground game with 80 yards on 16 carries, while Devin Shelton hauled in five catches for 47 yards.

Defensively, Northern dominated, finishing with seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. Julius Leapai led the way with 11 tackles, while Lehnerz added nine tackles, a sack, and his two pick-sixes.

Eastern Oregon finished with 240 total yards, most of them through the air. Quarterback Damian Aalona went 19 of 32 for 142 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Creswick caught nine passes for 74 yards, while Michael Lenke posted 10 tackles to lead the Mountaineer defense.

With the win, the Lights improve to 1-4 overall and head into a bye week before returning to action.