GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern lacrosse host Birmingham-Southern Friday afternoon to kick off SCAC conference action. The Pirates fell 17-4 to drop to 0-8 on the season and 0-1 in conference. 

Birmingham Southern dominated the opening frame, taking a five goal lead with three from Erik Klein, before SU got rolling. Jamie Long, assisted by Micheal Villa, finally got one to fall after having two shots careen off the post to pull the Pirates within four, 5-1, with seven seconds left in the first quarter. 

The Panthers had complete control in the second quarter, scoring four unanswered to lead by eight, 9-1, at the halftime break. 

Klein opened the second half with his fifth goal of the contest and Carter Cowan, assisted by Long, answered just over a minute later to hold BSC to an eight point lead. Birmingham-Southern made it a nine point lead with a goal with seven minutes to go in the third quarter. 

Southwestern kicked off the fourth with an unassisted goal by Tyler Downing two and a half minutes into the final frame. After two more Panther goals Downing scored once again, winning the faceoff and driving right down the heart of BSC's defense to give SU their fourth and final goal. Birmingham Southern added four goals to close out the game, including one with four seconds remaining, to land at the 17-4 final. 

Downing led offensively with two goals on six shots while Chris O'Quain was sensational in goal, recording 14 saves. Many of O'Quain's saves came from Pather shots at point-blank range, keeping Birmingham Southern from running away with the game early on. O'Quain and Nick Sivon (pictured) each recorded five ground balls to lead SU while Sivon and Metzker each posted two caused turnovers. 

BSC's Klein led all scorers with seven goals and one assist for a game high eight points. 

Southwestern took 16 fewer shots (40-24) and committed eight more turnovers while converting on four fewer clears. The Pirates were unable to take advantage of the majority of their 11 man-up opportunities while BSC converted on three of four. 

The Pirates remain at home to face Oglethorpe University on Sunday morning. Game time is set for 11:00 am.