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LOS ANGELES — Joshua Greaves was 13 for 17 passing, including three touchdowns, as the Occidental football team started its 2019 season with a 38-7 victory over CETYS University of Mexicali, Mexico at Jack Kemp Stadium on Saturday.

Greaves hooked up with Andrew Jack de Avila for two of the touchdowns, once in the first half and once in the second. He also hit Lucas Savoie for the longest of his three scoring throws at 43 yards.

Jack de Avila led Oxy's receiving core with five catches for 63 yards.

DJ Adams did the bulk of the Tigers' work on the ground, finishing with seven carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. Ben Rosen also had six carries for 30 yards.

First year quarterback Thomas Mercogliano came on late in the game, throwing a touchdown pass to Dan Marlow on his first career attempt and Marlow's first career catch.

Oxy's defense was stellar all afternoon, shutting down CETYS until it finally scored with 17 second left in the game on a pass from Luis Aguilera to Benjamin Resendiz.

The Tigers were led on defense by Sam Meinhard, who had a game-high 10 tackles, including a forced fumble. The sophomore linebacker was a monster in the middle of the defense, making nine tackles in the first half alone before checking out late in the game as the Tigers opened up a big lead.

The Tigers forced four turnovers. Garrett Pittman and Rodrigo Nieto each had an interceptions, and Josiah Sheffie forced a fumble on special teams. Both Raffi Titizian and Rodrigo Nieto each recovered a fumble.

Oxy separated in the third quarter, scoring 24 of its points.

The Tigers are now 2-0 all-time against their Mexican rival after winning in Mexico 20-0 last season.

Next Game: Oxy has a bye week next weekend and then returns to action on Sept. 21 at Willamette. The Tigers return home to face Cal Lutheran on Oct. 5.