NEVADA, Mo.  — Oct. 28, 2023, the Southwestern College women's basketball team, led by first-year head coach Chardonnae Parker, fell short in their season opener against Cottey College, 51-64.

Cottey College took an early lead in the first quarter, 15-20, and had the Builders down 10 points at half, 25-35.

In the fourth quarter, Coach Parker kept the Builders inspired, as Southwestern battled all the way back to tie the game at 49-49 with 5:33 left on the clock after being down as many as 16 points.

Late in the game, Cottey would connect on a couple key three pointers to pull away from the Builders' pressure.

Southwestern's Saylee Smith and Callie Scott, each contributing 10 points to lead the Builders in scoring.

Christie Wiebe had nine points, seven rebounds, and Smith also captured six boards herself.

Haven Matthews scored six points and four rebounds along with Kennedy Ford who also had six points.

The Builders will be back in action on the road, Friday, Nov. 3, 5:30pm in Columbia, Mo at Stephens College.