Defensive back Michael Alada recorded his 11th interception on the season to set a new St. Thomas record as the third-ranked Tommies lead Coe College 41-0 at half Saturday afternoon at Palmer Field.

Defensive back Mark Dowdle also added pressure, intercepting quarterback Gavin Glenn in the second quarter.

Running back Tucker Trettel challenged the Kohawk defense on an 82-yard touchdown run with 10:40 left in the first half. Tommies led 27-0.

St. Thomas’s first possession ended prematurely when Coe recovered a running back Tucker Trettel fumble at the St. Thomas 29 yard line with 12:21 left in the first quarter.

Shortly after, Tommie linebacker Dylan Andrew responded with a 52-yard interception. Quarterback Alex Fenske then connected with wide receiver Luke Iverson for a 13-yard touchdown pass, putting the Tommies on the board 7-0.

Wide receiver Joe Reed caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Fenske with 3:46 left in the first quarter. The Kohawk defense defended the two point conversion attempt.

Running back Josh Parks, tight end Grant Slavik and Fenske all contributed touchdowns.

The winner of today’s game will advance to the third round of the NCAA Division III tournament next weekend against the winner of St. John’s versus UW-Oshkosh.

Carolyn Meyer can be reached at cameyer@stthomas.edu.