On Senior Day, a fourth quarter, 32-yard field goal by senior Vinny Pallini secured No. 17 St. Thomas’ 17-7 victory over No. 9 Bethel Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium, giving the Tommies a share of the MIAC title with No. 8 ranked St. John’s.

The Royals (8-2 overall, 6-2 MIAC) started the game with the ball, but Tommie senior defensive back Nick Raddatz intercepted it at the 43-yard line, giving the Tommies (8-2 overall, 7-1 MIAC) an advantage.

The first score came on a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy Dolan to running back Josh Komis.

Another Tommie touchdown followed at the beginning of the second quarter with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Ronnie Jones, who replaced Dolan, to wide receiver Gabe Green in the south end zone making the score 14-0.

Bethel wide receiver Drew Larson put the Royals on the board with his 10th touchdown of the season on a 23-yard pass from quarterback Jaran Roste.

Possession of the ball wavered back and forth in the second half with neither team scoring in the third quarter.

A fourth quarter fumble by Jones gave Bethel the ball on the St. Thomas 44-yard line; however, the Royals’ drive didn’t last long as Tommie linebackers Sam Herriges and Alex Taylor sacked Roste on a 4th-and-3.

St. Thomas gained possession at the 36-yard line and drove into scoring position.

Senior Vinny Pallini attempted and made a 32-yard field goal, putting the Tommies up 17-7 with 5:26 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Tommie football recognized 31 student-athletes for Senior Day, the largest senior class in program history.

The Tommies find out Sunday if they will advance to the NCAA Division III football playoffs.

The Division III football championship selection show will air at 4:30 p.m Sunday, Nov. 17. CT.

Carly Noble can be reached at nobl1781@stthomas.edu.