PERU, Neb. – In a challenging start to the season, the Southwestern College Moundbuilders fell 3-1 to the Peru State Bobcats in their non-conference opener, with set scores of 8-25, 25-22, 15-25, and 16-25.
 
The match began with Peru State dominating the first set, 25-8. However, Southwestern showed resilience in the second set, taking it 25-22. Key contributions came from Haley Shaw, who led the team with 10 kills, supported by Hannah Weber with 6 kills and Gabi Theut with 5 kills.
 
Despite their efforts, Southwestern was unable to maintain their momentum in the third and fourth sets, which Peru State claimed 25-15 and 25-16. Defensively, Kaylee Stiehl and Adeline McIntire anchored the team at the net, each recording two blocks. Avery Riedel led the backcourt with an impressive 20 digs, while Reece Likes added 10 digs and Natalie Blaufuss contributed 9 digs.
 
On the offensive side, Weber delivered 3 service aces, while Blaufuss and Likes added 2 and 1 ace, respectively. Blaufuss also played a crucial role as the primary setter, dishing out 18 assists, with Likes contributing 8 assists and Riedel adding 3.
 
Southwestern will look to bounce back in their next match against Southwestern Christian University, Saturday, August 24, in St. Louis, Mo.at noon. Followed by Harris-Stowe State at 2pm. There will be no live stats for these games and no live stream.