GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Pirates had a huge second quarter and cruised to a 10-3 win over Hendrix College to open the 2014 season on Saturday.
Kyle Anderson scored off the opening faceoff in his collegiate debut, punching home a goal from Alex Michael just 15 seconds into the match.
Hendrix evened the count four minutes later and added a man-up goal at the start of the second quarter to briefly take the lead 2-1.
Southwestern's defense went into overdrive as they locked down the Warriors and forced countless turnovers to spark SU's offensive attack. The Pirates rattled off four goals in the final ten minutes of the half including two from Austin Fox to lead by three, 5-2 at halftime.
Following the break the Pirates picked up where they left off on both ends of the field, scoring two more goals and holding HC scoreless in the third to lead 7-2 heading in the final quarter.
Two more Fox goals gave SU a comfortable lead and Alex Michael scored a goal of his own after assisting on three to give Southwestern a 10-2 lead. Hendrix snuck one past backup goalie Charlie Fisher with 3:15 to play to arrive at the 10-3 final.
SU forced Hendrix into 29 turnovers and took 39 shots while allowing 24. The Pirates converted all but three of their clears 20-23 and took advantage of four of the five man-up opportunities while picking up 32 ground balls
Fox led offensively with five goals while Tyler Downing added two and Alex Michael posted three assists and one goal.
Ross Warkentin was all over the field defensively, causing a team high three turnovers and added three ground balls. Connor Koper led the category with four. First year Daniel Donovan earned the win in his debut between the pipes and had two saves on four shots.
The Pirates open the season at 1-0 and remain at home to face Rhodes College on February 15th at 1 p.m.