Sept. 19, 2009

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AMHERST, Mass. - Junior quarterback Chris Paul-Etienne threw for 198 yards, but it was not enough as the Rhode Island football team (1-1; 0-1 CAA) dropped its CAA opener 30-10 to Massachusetts.

Paul-Etienne completed passes to nine different receivers. Three of those passes went to senior Joe Bellini, who led the way with 53 yards receiving.

URI became the first team to score against UMass in the second half this season as junior Jarrod Williams picked up a fumble forced by fellow junior Rob Damon and raced it 68 yards to the endzone. Prior to the touchdown, UMass had outscored its opponents in the second half 38-0 this season.

Williams' 68-yard return was his first defensive touchdown at URI.

Following the Rhody score, UMass' Armando Cuko connected on a 22-yard field, which pushed its lead to 17 points.

Rhody responded with a field goal of it own as sophomore kicker Louis Feinstein booted a 38-yard field goal, which capped a 12 play, 47-yard drive.

In the first half, the Minutemen scored on its opening possession, going 67 yards in 12 plays on a drive, which lasted 5:48.

Rhody responded with a drive of its own, moving the ball down the field to set up a first and goal situation. URI's opening drive ended with no points after Paul-Etienne threw his first interception of the year.

UMass drove went on to capitalize on the first turnover of the game as it drove 80 yards in plays to increase its lead to 14-0.

Following a Rhody three and out, the Minutemen drove into scoring position, but URI ended UMass' drive following an interception by senior Steve Weedon. Weedon's interception was his first since 2007.

Rhode Island returns to action at Noon on Sept. 26 as it travels to Connecticut. The game can be seen live on ESPN360 and can heard live on the Rams Radio Network WHJJ 920 AM.