SALINA, Kan. – The Southwestern College Moundbuilders (6-13, 2-8) broke a 30-match losing streak against Kansas Wesleyan University (16-11, 6-5), securing a thrilling 3-2 victory Saturday morning inside Mabee Arena. The Moundbuilders clinched the match, 14-25, 25-12, 11-25, 26-24, and 21-19, marking their first win over KWU since 2010.
 
The Moundbuilders were led by Gabi Theut, who recorded a team-high 13 kills and four service aces. Adeline McIntire contributed with 11 kills, while Baylee York added nine kills and an impressive seven blocks. Southwestern's offense found rhythm in the second set with a .361 hitting percentage, tying the match at 1-1 after a tough first-set loss.
 
Haley Shaw set up her teammates with 21 assists, and Theut followed closely with 19 assists. On defense, Theut also led with 16 digs, supported by Avery Riedel with 15 digs and McKenlie Kirkhart with 14, as the Builders staved off multiple match points in a fiercely contested fifth set.
 
Southwestern's resilient comeback began in the fourth set, where they overcame a 24-20 deficit, scoring six consecutive points to force a deciding fifth set.
 
 The Builders and Coyotes exchanged leads throughout the final set until Southwestern pulled ahead with a 3-point run, securing a hard-fought 21-19 victory to cap off their first KCAC conference win of the season.
 
With the win, Southwestern not only snapped their long-standing losing streak against KWU but also celebrated a significant milestone in their season.
 
The Builders will be on the road, Monday, Nov. 4 at the University of Saint Mary, 6 p.m.