Montclair State University Athletics

Avento made big plays for the Red Hawks defense as seventh-ranked Montclair State remained unbeaten with a thrilling 34-33 win over 15th-ranked Cortland. He led the team in tackles with 15 and ended two Cortland drives. The first came in the third quarter as he intercepted a pass at the MSU 5 and returned it nine yards leading to an eventual Red Hawk score that made it 31-14. After Montclair State retook the lead late on a field goal, he batted down the final pass of the game to preserve the victory. Avento currently leads the team in tackles this season with 40 and ranks in the fourth in the NJAC.