WINFIELD, Kan. – The Southwestern College Lady Builders (1-5, 1-2) travel to Kansas City this Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1 p.m., for a conference clash against the winless Avila University Eagles (0-7, 0-4). Both teams are eager to turn their seasons around, setting the stage for a high-stakes Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference match-up.
The Lady Builders enter the game looking to bounce back from a narrow double overtime  84-78 home loss to Ottawa University. Despite their early struggles, senior forward Christy Wiebe has been a dominant force, averaging a near double-double with 15.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Her consistency and leadership will be crucial for Southwestern as they seek their second conference win. Guard Macey Pond has also been a reliable contributor, adding 8.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game to bolster the team's offensive efforts.
Southwestern has faced challenges in shooting efficiency, connecting on just 30.3% of their field goal attempts this season. On the defensive end, rebounding has been a significant concern, with the Lady Builders being out-rebounded by an average of 10.3 boards per game. These areas will need improvement as they face an Avila team hungry for its first win.
The Eagles lean heavily on senior guard Marlie Wright, who has been a bright spot for Avila, averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Wright is supported by sharpshooter Hannah Smith, who averages 10.3 points per game and hits 37.5% of her three-point attempts. Avila boasts slightly better shooting numbers overall, hitting 39.2% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc, which could pose a challenge for Southwestern's defense.
The match-up of the night  between two senior leaders, Wiebe and Wright. Wiebe's dominance in the paint and on the boards will go head-to-head with Wright's scoring versatility and ability to impact both ends of the floor. Perimeter shooting could also play a decisive role, with Avila averaging 6.9 made three-pointers per game, just ahead of Southwestern's 6.2. Whichever team finds their rhythm from deep may gain a critical edge.
The Lady Builders will look to exploit Avila's defensive lapses and take control early, while the Eagles hope home-court advantage at Mabee Fieldhouse can spark a much-needed victory. Both teams are determined to change the narrative of their seasons.
