WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College women's basketball team will face a tough road test Saturday, Jan. 18, when it visits Sterling College in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Both teams are vying for momentum in the middle of the season.

Southwestern (2-11, 2-8) is coming off a competitive outing against Friends University, where it hit a season-high 14 three-pointers in an 86-77 loss. Senior Christy Wiebe leads the Builders, averaging 15.0 points per game while contributing on the boards and defensively. Junior Macey Pond has been a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, connecting on 41.2% of her attempts, and freshman Jerranay Echols continues to provide energy with 7.0 rebounds per game. Despite these efforts, the Builders have struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot over 40% from the field and facing a rebounding deficit of -12.0 per game.

Sterling (10-7, 6-5) enters the matchup with a strong 5-1 record at home and is led by senior guard Korynn Clason, who averages 22.7 points per game on 48.2% shooting. Clason is also a force at the free-throw line, converting 88.0% of her attempts. Alissa Heskamp complements Clason with 13.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while the Warriors boast efficient shooting and rebounding that have carried them to success this season. Sterling's balanced offense and defensive pressure will test Southwestern's ability to limit turnovers and control the tempo.

For Southwestern, defensive discipline and rebounding will be critical. Limiting Clason's trips to the free-throw line and matching Sterling's effort on the boards will be key to staying competitive. The Lady Builders will also look to replicate their recent three-point shooting success to keep the Warriors' defense on edge. Both teams have struggled with turnovers, averaging more than 17 per game, making ball security a crucial factor in determining the outcome.The game tips off at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Gleason Center in Sterling.