SAN ANTONIO – The Southwestern University football team dropped a 27-19 decision to Trinity on Saturday in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play.

The Pirates (2-7, 0-2 SCAC) jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the contest, but the Tigers (7-2, 1-1 SCAC) responded with 27 consecutive points to claim a 15-point advantage. Southwestern scored one final time in the fourth quarter to pull within eight. However, Trinity recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to complete the season sweep.

The Pirates out-gained the Tigers in the conference tilt, 322-314, including a 300-205 edge through the air.

Bryan Hicks completed 22 of 38 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown for Southwestern.

Zach Cole led the SU defense with 11 tackles. Mason Ford chipped in with 10 stops, including a sack.

Austin Grauer threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Tigers.

A mishandled snap on a punt led to the Pirates' first points in the opening period, as Trinity punter Christian Aleman kicked it out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Laith Tucker connected on a 37-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 5-0 with 4:58 remaining in the first quarter.

Southwestern then pulled off a fake punt that turned into a 74-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

AJ Daniels took one step and then jumped before letting go of the ball and hitting Nik Kelly, who raced to the end zone untouched, to put SU on top 12-0.

The Tigers began mounting their comeback late in the first half, as Grauer connected with Antonio Massagl for a 29-yard score.

The momentum carried over to the third quarter, as Trinity scored three times.

Evan McDowell ran for a 15-yard score with 6:23 to play in the period to give the Tigers a 13-12 lead. Three minutes later, Grauer hit Jeremy Simmons for a 59-yard touchdown pass. Trinity added a two-yard touchdown run by Grauer with 1:20 to play in the quarter, extending its advantage to 27-12.

The Pirates picked up one last score with 1:56 left in the game, as Dante Smith adjusted to a pass from Hicks for a 22-yard score.

Southwestern will close out the 2015 season next Saturday against No. 20 Texas Lutheran. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Georgetown ISD's Birkelbach Field. Prior to the game, the Pirates will honor their lone senior – Nick Mask.

– SOUTHWESTERN –