MADISON, SD (NewsDakota.com)  It may go down as one of the most painful losses the Vikings have suffered in recent memory.

Three trips inside the Trojan 10-yard-line netted the Vikings no points, a missed field goal, and two turnovers, and a fumbled punt return led to the game’s lone touchdown in a 13-6 loss at Dakota State.

The Vikings dominated every category, outgaining Dakota State 328-189, rushing for 213 yards, and holding the Trojans to just 11 passing yards in the second half.

But a trip inside the Trojan 10 on the opening drive signaled trouble.  After making their way to the seven, the Viking offense stalled, and a field goal try by Yzan Lorenzo hit the right upright, leaving the game scoreless.

Lorenzo would connect from 35 yards at the end of the first, with the Trojans countering with a 26 yarder from Carson Sausedo with 11:15 left of the half.

The Vikings drove to the five at the end of the second half, but Avery Thorsgard, sighting in Dom Sotomayor, tossed wide and Trojan safety Trey Ortman picked off the pass, ending the half.

Valley City State drove to start the second half, and found their way to the seven yard line again, but Thorsgard’s pass to Exavian Westbrook was intercepted by Jay Skogerboe.

The Vikings had turned a corner by forcing a three-and-out on a Georgia Mageo quarterback sack on the ensuing possession, but disaster struck when the Trojan punt bounced twice in front of Micah Olson, who then tried to field it with one hand, and lost the ball.  The Trojans recovered, and set up at the Viking nine-yard line following a penalty.  Tyce Ortman scored from five yards out, delivering the Trojans a lead at 10-3.

Sausedo would add a field goal in the fourth, but the Vikings countered with another Lorenzo kick with just over two minutes left, cutting the lead to 13-6.  VCSU earned one more possession with 1:02 to go, but a Thorsgard throw in desperation was picked off by Kacey Cauley, ending the game.

Thorsgard rushed for 181 yards on 28 carries, and threw for 115 yards, leading the Vikings offensively.

The Vikings face Mayville State next weekend.