SHREVEPORT, La. - Two goals, bookending the first half, were enough to give Southwestern a 2-1 win over Centenary College to improve to 7-5 on the season and 2-2 in the SCAC.
The Pirates took control early as Forrest Baker scored in the fourth minute, providing Southwestern with confidence for the remainder of the game.
Southwestern continued to press and got great looks at goal that were blocked by the Gents' defensive line, but Marco Alcocer finally got one to fall as his left-footed shots slid past the goalie to give SU a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
As the second half got underway, the Pirates continued to control the game, taking five of the first six shots of the half. Centenary's Adam Ghaemmaghami made it a one goal game in the 62nd minute, beating Daniel Poole one-on-one as Poole came out of goal to make a play on the ball.
Southwestern regrouped and closed out the game for the 2-1 win. SU posted 24 shots while holding Centenary to 10 and took seven corner kicks while allowing just four. Poole posted five saves in the match while CC's Robbie Ramirez also recorded five saves.
The Pirates return to non-conference action, facing Concordia University at home on Tuesday night before taking on SCAC-rival Trinity on Saturday at 7 p.m.