Taking momentum built from last week's win over Holmes, the Bears carried it over Friday night and used it to their advantage, picking up a 5-1 win over visiting East Mississippi.
 
"We really enjoyed the way we have been playing," Southwest head coach Zach Mills said. "East Mississippi, they have gotten so much better already but we just wanted to prove ourselves again and let everyone know that we are here for the long run. I'm really glad that the guys got behind each other and played for each other and came out on top."
 
The Bears (6-4-1, 2-2-1 MACCC) worked to establish its offense early on and get a quick goal but they were unable to. However, things began to click not long afterward and it showed on the scoreboard. Jeysson Cruz kicked off his big night with a goal in the 18^th minute on an assist from Raul Alegre, making it a 1-0 match.
 
Not even 10:00 later, the Bears made it a 2-0 score as Justin Ruiz set up Sergio Padin for a goal in the 27^th minute.
 
The 2-0 score lasted for several minutes stretching all the way into the latter stages of the match before Southwest added to its lead. In the 64^th minute, Cruz made his presence known once again with another score, this time on an assist from Ruiz.
 
"At first, we had a little difficulty trying to get a goal. We had good chances and tried out best, but as soon as soon as I got my (first) goal, it got me hyped up," Cruz said.  
 
Less than a minute later, Jack Boyd entered the fray, taking advantage of an assist from Nico Fischer before finding the back of the net and giving the Bears a 4-0 advantage.
 
In the 78^th minute, the roles were reversed from the second goal as it was Ruiz's turn to score on an assist from Padin, making it a 5-0 lead for Southwest.
 
The Lions got their lone goal in the 82^nd minute but the Bears kept them in check for the remaining 8:00 to seal the win.
 
Cruz finished with two goals on the night while Ruiz had a goal and two assists.
 
Southwest returns to action on Tuesday visiting Jones at 7:00 p.m.