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PETER, Minn. (NewsDakota.com) – A long road trip, fancy stadium and homecoming did not deter the Valley City State football team on Saturday.

The Vikings went on the road and shut out Gustavus Adolphus, an NCAA Division III team, en route to a 16-0 victory Saturday in St. Peter, Minn.

Thomas Cortez nailed three field goals to put the Vikings up 9-0, and freshman running back Taylor Cino added a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory, spurred by an impressive defensive showing.

A collective defensive effort and great play by Valley City State’s defensive backs helped to contain Gustavus’ dual threat quarterback Muresuk Mena, which was a key in the Vikings first shutout since Aug. 28, 2010 against Trinity Bible College.

The Viking defense never let Mena beat them with his legs, and Troy Still intercepted a pass on the Vikings’ 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter to preserve the shutout.

VCSU’s Matt Craft also blocked a field goal attempt by Gustavus in the third quarter.

Valley City State improves its record to 5-2 on the season. Gustavus falls to 2-4. The Vikings are back at home Saturday, Oct. 20, hosting rival Jamestown College for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Shelly Ellig Field.