The UNI Panthers’ long journey to Hawaii began Wednesday when the team left for Honolulu and ended early Sunday morning local time. What ended around 2:30 a.m. central time also ended with a 27-24 loss for the Panthers. What started off as a close first-half ended with Hawaii deftly handling the Panthers in the second half.

The first quarter indicated a close defensive game with a tie 7-7 and the only score for Hawaii coming off a fumble returned for a touchdown. Sawyer Kollmorgen answered back late with a one-yard run. 

Kollmorgen finished the night with 265 yards passing and three total touchdowns.

The second quarter nearly saw the Panthers shut out as Hawaii scored 10 points, upping the score 17-7. 

Adam Reth recorded his first career sack on a fourth down and allowed the Panther offense to take over near mid-field with 27 seconds left. 

Michael Schmadeke made a career-long 41-yard field goal as time expired. The first half came to an end with the Panthers down by a touchdown, 17-10.

The only points scored in the third quarter came by way of a Steve Lakalaka 30-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds left. UNI trailed 24-10 heading into the fourth quarter. 

In the final minutes, UNI trailed 27-17. A Darrian Miller 11-yard reception for a touchdown brought UNI within a touchdown with 1:56 remaining.
The Panthers could not recover the ensuing onside kick. Hawaii continued to run the ball with a minute left and a three-point lead. 

Brett McMakin forced a Lakalaka fumble with under a minute left in the contest. Hawaii offensive lineman Harold Moleni recovered the ball and allowed the Rainbow Warriors to run the clock down to zero.

The Panthers will look for their first win of the season as they face Northern Colorado on Saturday for their home opener. The homecoming game will kick-off at 4 p.m.