Winfield, Kan. — Southwestern College showed fight in the opening set but couldn't keep pace with nationally ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan, falling 25-22, 25-14, 25-12 Wednesday afternoon at Stewart Fieldhouse.

The Moundbuilders (7-10, 1-2 KCAC) put together their best effort in the first set, trading points with the Eagles through eight ties and five lead changes. Southwestern trailed just 20-19 late, but Oklahoma Wesleyan closed on a 5-3 run to secure the opener.

From there, the Eagles controlled the match, holding Southwestern to a .047 hitting percentage across three sets. The Builders finished with 23 kills but committed 18 errors on 107 attempts.

Freshman outside hitter Ashlyn Tag led Southwestern with a team-high seven kills and two aces, finishing with nine points. She provided timely swings in the first and third sets, helping the Builders stay within striking distance early.

Senior outside hitter Autum Bennett added five kills and chipped in a block assist, while middle hitter Macey Collier recorded three kills and a block to aid the offense. Middle blocker Haleigh Weber was efficient at the net, finishing with a .333 hitting percentage and contributing three points, including a solo block.

Defensively, libero Avery Riedel paced Southwestern with 14 digs, showcasing strong back-row coverage against OKWU's balanced attack. Setter Reece Likes spread the offense with seven assists and added seven digs, while Natalie Blaufuss tallied five assists, four digs, and one kill.

Despite the loss, Southwestern matched the Eagles in service aces, recording four, highlighted by Tag's pair and one each from Kalissa Ortega and Lauren Broz.

Southwestern will now turn its focus as KCAC play continues this weekend.