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GEORGETOWN, Texas - The Southwestern men's lacrosse team has been on a role since starting conference action and continued their hot streak on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Hendrix College. The Pirates move to 4-9 on the season and 4-2 in the SCAC and in fourth place with three games to play.
The Warrior/Pirate match is always a big game and the energy and excitement surrounding this year's contest was no different. After a back-and-forth first quarter Southwestern's Nolan Klein broke the stalemate with an unassisted goal with two minutes to play.
SU turned up the heat in the second quarter and took a big lead into halftime. Michael Villa was a huge catalyst for the Pirates with two assists and one goal in the frame. Jamie Long added two goals and Elliot Kelly added one while Hendrix was held to just one goal in the first half, sending Southwestern into the break up 5-1.
Hendrix regrouped and took control of the third quarter, scoring two goals and holding SU scoreless, but the Kelly, assisted by Long, but the final dagger in the Warriors with a fourth quarter goal and allowed Southwestern's tough defense to take over for the 6-3 win.
Southwestern trailed in the shot count 32-24 but committed four fewer turnovers. Chris O'Quain recorded an outstanding 13 saves on 16 shots faced to keep a comfortable lead for the Pirates.
With three games to play Southwestern is on the bubble for the final playoff spot, sitting half a game ahead of Sewanee. The Pirates face second-place Centre College on Friday night in Danville, Ky. at 6 p.m.