Towson University opened up their 2015-16 season with a 24-14 win over Millersville.

Millersville gave Towson all sorts of problems, and Towson won in part thanks to some savvy play by their most experienced players. Towson looked set to score early and were running phases inside the Millersville 22. But a heads-up play from Millersville produced an interception and a long run in under the posts for a 7-0 Millersville lead.

But brothers Brian and Tim Shields connected for a nice try from the younger of the two - Tim - to make it 7-5. But Millersville hung tough and forced an impatient Towson team into too many errors. Working from a Towson penalty, Millersville powered through for a second try and a 14-5 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Towson looked a little more polished. Flanker Anthony Bria scored off a quick tap, and then in the 52nd minute fullback Tim Finnell took a pass at pace and went in at the corner for Towson’s first lead of the day, 19-14 with Eric Sweeney’s conversion.Millersville struggled to get things going in the second half as Towson repeatedly stole their ball in the rucks and also at set piece. Dominating possession, Towson scored on more when Jason Maiara punished another Millersville penalty.

Led by seniors Nick DiPietro at No. 8, locks Mike Gouterman and Tyler Honeycutt, and centers John Schuberth and Brian Shields, and captain Eric Sweeney, Towson was imperfect, but good enough.