DANVILLE, Ky. - Southwestern lacrosse fell out of the all-important fourth place spot after a 15-7 loss to second-place Centre College on Friday evening. The loss drops the Pirates a half-game behind Sewanee for the final place in the SCAC Conference Tournament with the two teams meeting on Sunday. 

Centre struck first with two goals in the first quarter, but Carter Cowan, assisted by Michael Villa, punched one home with less then a minute to go to bring the Pirates within one, 2-1, heading into the second quarter. The Colonels extended their lead with four straight goals to open the second and pull ahead 6-1. Jamie Long took matters into his own hands, scoring twice unassisted to bring the Pirates back within three, 6-3. Centre's Connor Stubbs added one more goal with a minute remaining in the half to send Southwestern into halftime trailing 7-3.

Centre opened the third and fourth quartes tough as well, scoring three unanswered to start the third and four to open the fourth. Southwestern pushed back but was never able to fully threaten for the lead as they fell 15-7.

The Pirates committed one fewer turnover but took 10 fewer shots (40-30) and picked up 11 fewer ground balls (37-26) on the evening.

Long led for SU with four goals while Cowan added two and Tyler Downing one. Villa and Balke each recorded one assist for Southwestern. Centre was led by Conner Stubbs' seven goals and one assist.

Southwestern falls to 4-10 on the year and 4-3 in the SCAC while Centre improves to 10-2 and 5-1. The Pirates face off with Sewanee on Sunday for a crucial match to stay in the running for the SCAC Conference Tournament. Game time is set for 11 a.m.