GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Men's Lacrosse fell on Wednesday night against a strong Muhlenberg College squad in the home opener, 18-8. The Pirates drop to 4-3 overall.
Southwestern had a pivotal opportunity ahead of them against a NCAA Tournament calibar squad in Muhlenberg. However, the Mules struck first with three goals in the first four minutes, dominating possession. The senior leader,
Jackson Strauser calmed the squad down with a goal on a sophomore
Keaten Cox assist. Cox found the net twice in the first half as the Pirates trailed by three. The Mules scored a massive Pirate momentum killer seconds before half to carry four goal lead into the break.
The Mules carried that momentum into a big third as the Pirates were out scored 5-1 in the third period, deflating the energy. Freshman
Abram Gareis was the lone goal in the quarter scoring from distance. Senior
Matthew Houtz scored on a smooth individual effort, while also picking up an assist on another Gareis goal. Houtz collected two points on the night, sending his career total to 99. Junior
Josh Swandal scored with a minute left, but the story tonight was the Pirates inability to cause enough uncomfortable possessions for the Mules.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- Sophomore Dante Avicolli finished with another double-digit save night at 13 with a .500 save percentage. Avicolli also totaled seven ground balls.
- The Pirates pounced on a season-high 53 ground balls.
- The leader of the pack of ground balls was junior Trey Pena at ten. Pena did not dominant face off play as he has all season, but kept his streak of 50% plus face off rate night going with his seventh of the season at 12 for 24 tonight.
- Cox totaled two goals and five ground balls, while Gareis also found the net twice.
- Senior Chris Steffek created four Muhlenberg turnovers on the night.
UP NEXT
Southwestern takes some time off before playing three games at home next week. The Pirates battle Wooster next Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
