ALBION, MICHIGAN - Southwestern University Men's Lacrosse had a chance to send the game to overtime in the final seconds, ultimately falling one goal short on the road against Albion College, 12-11. The Pirates conclude their six-game road start to the season with a 4-2 overall record. 

Southwestern meet with a strong Albion squad in their second weekend matchup in Michigan. The Pirates uncharacteristically got off to a slow start as they entered today's game outscoring opponents 31-18 in the first half. Sophomore Keaten Cox scored two first quarter goals, but Albion totaled six goals in the first quarter as the Pirates trailed 6-4 after one. 

Freshman Marshall Mohun scored the loan goal in the second quarter as the Pirates trailed 9-5 at halftime. Southwestern made some adjustments in the second half winning the quarter as sophomore Nolan Zaby, Trailer, and Cox found the net trailing 11-8 after three quarters. Sophomore Ferris Garcia was thrusted in the game as goalie halfway through the third. The sophomore allowed just one goal in 23 minutes in a pressure filled situation. 

Albion scored the first goal of the fourth quarter as the Pirates were in 12-8 hole with only six minutes remaining. Junior Josh Swandal started a run of three unanswered goals on an incredible individual wrap around. Senior Matthew Houtz scored with a minute left, while Mohun contributed another goal down 12-11 with 36 seconds left. Junior Trey Pena was dominant again on face offs, stepping up and giving the Pirates possession with a chance to tie. Sophomore Cal Stewart and Houtz both fired shots that barely missed the mark as Albion escaped with the victory. The defense was another key piece to the Pirates comeback as Garcia only needed to make four saves in the final 23 minutes. 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• The Pirates have now won two games by one goal and lost two games by a goal. 
• Southwestern's biggest weapon this season has face offs, winning the battle 19-8. 
• Pena went 18-26, finishing the weekend 34-44. The junior also picked up 21 ground balls for another massive week. 
• The Pirates are 97-148 on face offs this season at 66% success rate. 
• Sophomore Dante Avicolli totaled double-digit saves for the third time this season at 10 on the day. 
• Garcia entered in relief with four saves and one goal allowed. 
• Cox led the squad offensively with back-to-back games with three goals and two assists. 

UP NEXT
After six road games to start the year, Southwestern is back on campus on Wednesday against Muhlenberg College at 7:00 p.m. The Pirates host six straight home games coming up as we need you at Varsity field against two squads.