Fighting for the playoffs has been the main goal for the Bears for the entire season and especially as of late. And in the first of two final regular season matches at home, the Bears were hoping to make their case for post season play with a win against Itawamba, Friday night. But the Indians had other ideas, as the Bears fell behind early and couldn't complete the rally late, falling 2-1 on Sophomore Night. Six sophomores were honored after the contest.
 
Following the match, the Bears and head coach Zach Mills were frustrated but Mills added that it is not time to hit the panic button.  
 
"It would have been amazing to see these boys go to the playoffs on Sophomore Night," he said. "Now we have a big job to do and (Mississippi) Gulf Coast is very good. We tied them last time and we are feeling okay. We are going to see what we can do against Gulf Coast."
 
The Bears (7-4-4, 4-4-2 MACCC) tried to set the tone early against the Indians but it was the visitors from Fulton who lit up their side of the scoreboard first. A goal in the 15^th minute was followed by another Indian score less than 7:00 later quickly putting the Bears behind the 8-ball and down 2-0.
 
Despite being down, the Bears were certainly not out and tried to claw their way back into the contest. Unfortunately, their efforts couldn't generate any scoring for the remainder of the first half.
 
After ramping-up their play in the second half, they inched closer in the 74^th minute when Justin Ruiz sent a penalty show past the Itawamba goalkeeper and into the net, making it a 2-1 contest.
 
Unfortunately, the Bears couldn't produce enough offense for the remainder of regulation.
 
Southwest will wrap the regular season at home on Tuesday, playing host to Gulf Coast at 7 p.m.