PICTURED: Chaun Maiava

Despite North Park's 18-0 setback to host and No. 20 nationally-ranked Illinois Wesleyan Saturday night in Bloomington, the Vikings defense produced one of its stronger performances of the season.

For four quarters North Park's defense rose to the challenge against a strong Illinois Wesleyan offense while keeping the Vikings within striking distance forcing three turnovers and sacking the Titan's QB on four occasions. In the red zone the Viking defense held the Titans to two field goals in the second half.

Senior Chaun Maiava led the defensive attack once again as he recorded his fourth-straight game of double-digit tackles with 14, including two sacks and two tackles for loss.  He also had one forced fumble and fumble recovery while senior Matt DiFecchio added nine tackles, six solo and had one pass breakup.

Other top defensive performers for the Vikes included Uluao Letuli with eight tackles and both Gary Anish and Ryan Howson with seven. Senior Mark Mamola also had six and David Simmons, Jr. came up with two pass breakups. KJ Joseph had a strong game with six tackles.

Illinois Wesleyan held North Park's offense in check most of the day.  Quarterback Anthony DiNardo completed 50 percent of his passes (9 of 18) for 80 yards. Norm Cupicciotti led in receptions with three for 22 yards.

North Park (1-3, 0-2) looks to rebound next Saturday when the Vikings return home to face Millikin University at 1 p.m.