TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Trine University scored 21 second half points to earn a come-from-behind 24-23 victory over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in the Fightin' Engineers home opener on Saturday night at Cook Stadium.

Rose-Hulman took a 23-3 lead at halftime courtesy of a strong offensive performance.  Grant Ripperda rushed for two first-half touchdowns and Rick Easterwood connected on a 22-yard touchdown strike to Adam Tice-Saliu to help Rose-Hulman build the advantage.

Trine rallied with two third quarter touchdowns to move within 23-17.  The Thunder took the lead at 24-23 on a 17-yard scoring run by Alex Price followed by an extra point from Anthony Hertz.

Rose-Hulman mounted a final drive in the last two minutes, reaching Trine territory at the 42-yard line.  The Thunder forced and recovered a fumble in the final minute to secure the victory.

Easterwood completed 13-of-21 passes through the air for 174 yards and one touchdown.  Ripperda rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

Tice-Saliu had six receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown to lead the receiving effort.  Daniel Huery added five receptions for 44 yards and rushed for 24 yards, while Jailen Hobbs added 30 receiving and 70 kickoff return yards on the evening.

The Rose-Hulman defense held Trine to just 11-of-31 passing for 129 yards and one touchdown.  Price rushed for 62 yards and one touchdown to lead the Trine rushing attack.

Winston Amankwah paced the Fightin' Engineer defensive performance with two interceptions and a pair of pass breakups.  Kyzer Bowen had a team-high seven tackles, Peter Cross added six tackles, and Deven Cobb added two tackles-for-loss and one sack among his five tackles.

Trine improved to 2-0 on the season, while Rose-Hulman dropped to 0-2 with two losses by a combined four points.  The Fightin' Engineers return home to face Albion College at Cook Stadium on Saturday at noon.