WINFIELD, Kan. – The Southwestern College volleyball team continued their search for a conference victory but fell to the McPherson Bulldogs (18-5, 5-1) in a tough three-set contest,14-25, 15-25, 19-25, at Stewart Field House. The Moundbuilders are now 3-7 overall and 0-5 in conference play.

Haley Shaw led the Moundbuilders with 7 kills and 11 digs, while Baylee York added 6 kills, hitting .250 for the match. Gabi Theut contributed 6 kills and 7 digs, and libero Avery Riedel recorded a match-high 16 digs, keeping the defense steady. However, despite moments of resilience, Southwestern could not overcome McPherson's balanced attack, led by Luisina Sandron's 13 kills and Hadley Waldren's 10.
Southwestern had a slow start in the first set, recording 9 kills but ultimately falling 14-25. The second set saw similar struggles, with the Moundbuilders unable to find a rhythm, losing 15-25. The third set was their most competitive, staying within reach until McPherson pulled away to seal the set 25-19 and the match.

The Moundbuilders totaled 30 kills and 3 service aces, but 18 attack errors hindered their offensive efficiency, as they finished with a .100 hitting percentage. McPherson capitalized on those errors, finishing with a .278 hitting percentage and controlling the tempo of the match.

Southwestern will be at Friends University Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.