WINFIELD, Kan.  — Southwestern held an early second-half lead but could not hold off No. 2 Ottawa, falling 2-1 Wednesday night at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.

Southwestern (9-7-0, 6-5-0 KCAC) went ahead in the 65th minute when Jack Bagley-Etheridge sent a curling free kick from about 25 yards out into the box. Connor Inlow rose above the defense and headed the ball over the goalkeeper to give the Builders a 1-0 lead.

Ottawa (9-1-5, 8-0-2) tied the match in the 77th minute on a goal by Antonio Natalucci. Less than a minute later, Natalucci scored again, this time off a pass from Arminas Gecas, to make it 2-1.

Southwestern's defense turned in a strong performance against one of the NAIA's top-ranked teams. Defenders Adrian Gimenez, Luis Le Moignan, Nicola Antiglio and Carlos Villalba combined for more than five blocked shots inside the box, frustrating multiple Ottawa attacks and keeping the match tight throughout.

Goalkeeper KJ Masso made three saves, all in the first half, for the Builders. Ottawa's David Martinez also finished with three saves.

The match was physical throughout, with seven yellow cards issued — four to Southwestern and three to Ottawa.

Southwestern remains 9-7 overall and 6-5 in KCAC play. The Builders return home Saturday, Oct. 25, for Senior Day against Kansas Wesleyan University. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.