Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine football team jumped out to a 7-0 lead on #21 Rhode Island but could not hold on, falling in its Coastal Athletic Association opener at Alfond Stadium by a final of 34-17 on Friday evening.

Freshman running back Tristen Kenan led Maine with 84 yards on 18 carries to go along with a pair of touchdowns. Joe Gillette registered six catches for 42 yards while quarterback Derek Robertson finished the evening 21-of-31 for 187 yards.

Maine's 'Black Hole' defense forced two turnovers while posting 8.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Darius McKenzie finished with a career-high 11 stops, 2.0 for loss, while Abdul Stewart added a career-best nine stops and an interception. Xavier Holmes posted five tackles, 3.0 for loss, with his first career sack.

The Black Bears opened the game with a 12 play, 75-yard drive. Kenan completed the drive by extending the ball over the end zone plane for his first of two scores on the day.

Rhode Island answered with a 47-yard field goal from Ty Groff late in the first as Maine entered the second quarter with a 7-3 edge.

The Rams took the lead early in the second when Kasim Hill connected with Kahtero Summer for a 35-yard touchdown reception.

Maine regained the lead with 8:39 left in the half. The Black Bears took advantage of good field position, thanks for a forced fumble by Latrell Couchman which was recovered by Justyn Haynesworth at the Rhode Island 36 yard line. Three plays later, Kenan slashed his way into the end zone from 15-yards out for his second of two rushing scores on the evening.

Rhode Island tallied 14 unanswered points to take a 24-14 advantage with 2:27 left in the half. Kill and Summer connected on their second touchdown pass and catch of the night before Ja'Den McKenzie's 17-yard rushing score put the Rams on top, 24-14.

Cody Williams notched a 37-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter, inching Maine to within seven at the break.

The Black Bears would not score again.

Groff's 42-yard field goal extended the Rhode Island lead to 27-17 in the third before a 10-yard touchdown on the ground from Gabe Sloate pushed the lead out to 34-17 with 9:12 left in regulation.

Maine was unable to find the end zone the rest of the way, falling to the Rams by a final of 34-17.

Maine returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 23 when it continues CAA action at William & Mary.

-UMaine-