SHREVEPORT, LA - With the equalizer and increasing pressure by the visitors in the second half, the Gents looked like they were destined for their first overtime contest of the year.

However, a perfectly placed through ball changed everything.

The Centenary College men's soccer team (2-5, 1-2 SCAC) found the back with 15 minutes left and held off a Southwestern (2-6, 2-1 SCAC) charge in the final minutes as the Gents knocked off the Pirates 2-1 at Mayo Field on Sunday, September 20.

"The guys learned how to grind out a hard, physical game," said head coach Emmett Rutkowski. "I was really happy for the guys, as they earned this win. It's a great lesson for our young guys how to persevere and battle."

In the 75th minute, Jeremy Klespis took the ball up the field and tried a through pass in traffic from around 35 yards out. All of a sudden, the pass found the foot of freshman Braylen Hollins in the wide open. Hollins ripped the ball from the top of the box into the net for his first collegiate goal to break a 1-1 stalemate.

After the go-ahead score, Southwestern managed to outshoot Centenary 4-0, but a corner kick and a Gents foul right outside the box never materialized as the Maroon and White claimed its first SCAC win of the season.

In the first half, senior Hunter Paul scored his first goal of the season and the third of his career to open up the scoring. Freshman Andre Anassi switched fields on a pass to find Paul on the right post for the goal.

The Maroon and White managed only three shots on goal, but made the most of its opportunities with a pair of scores.

Junior Rylan Whan (2-3) took the win in goal, grabbing seven saves in eight shots faced. Ryan Benner (1-3) took the loss in goal for the Pirates.

Southwestern managed the equalizer in the 62nd minute when Sean Christy put the ball in the center of the box. Clay Martin passed to the right and Jake Swonke found the back of the net.

Centenary returns to action for its first road game at Trinity Friday, September 20.