SUMMIT – East Central Community College dropped a 3-1 decision at Southwest Mississippi on Friday evening, despite pulling level early in the second half before the home team pulled away late.

The Warriors (2-4-1 overall, 0-2 MACCC) held Southwest scoreless through the opening 45 minutes behind organized defending and steady work in the midfield. The Bears finally broke through in the 49th minute when Mallory Martin finished off a pass from Tiaona Frick to put the hosts on top.

East Central answered quickly to even the match. Just seven minutes later, Raiyleigh Perry connected in the 56th minute off an assist from Isabella Rivino to make it 1-1. The Warriors carried momentum into the final third of the half, but could not convert their limited chances.

Southwest regained control in the closing minutes. Nicole Galvan scored in the 84th minute with help from Zoey Brown to give the Bears a 2-1 advantage. Less than a minute later, Brown struck again on an assist from Evie Peet to push the margin to two goals and seal the result.

East Central was held without a shot on goal outside of Perry's finish, while Southwest generated 15 attempts, including three goals past Warrior goalkeeper Jaci Willis. Willis played all 90 minutes in net.

The Warriors remain in search of their first conference win of the year and will look to bounce back quickly. East Central continues MACCC play tonight with a road trip to Mississippi Gulf Coast. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CST in Perkinston.