WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College volleyball team will look to turn early-season progress into conference success as the Lady Builders continue Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play following an up-and-down start to the 2025 campaign.
Southwestern, now 8-11 overall and 2-3 in KCAC play, has shown flashes of potential through the first half of the season, balancing strong offensive showings with improved defensive consistency. The Lady Builders have been especially effective at home, posting a 2-2 record inside Stewart Field House while sweeping all nonconference opponents on their home court.
Leading the attack is freshman outside hitter Mikki Johnson, who has tallied 160 kills to average 2.76 per set. Her aggressive play at the net has made her one of Southwestern's most reliable scoring options early in her college career. Senior Autumn Bennett adds another powerful presence with 149 kills and a .225 hitting percentage, providing experience and leadership on the front line. Middle hitter Macey Collier has been one of the team's most efficient attackers, hitting .296 with 99 kills and 32 total blocks.
The Builders' offense runs through setter Natalie Blaufuss, who has totaled a team-leading 287 assists, averaging 4.56 per set, and added 24 service aces. Libero Avery Riedel anchors the defense with 237 digs, averaging 3.59 per set, while leading the team's effort in serve receive and back-row coverage.
As a unit, Southwestern is averaging 10.45 kills and 13.55 digs per set, hitting .136 on the year while holding opponents to .171. The Builders' service game has also been strong, with 125 aces led by Blaufuss and Reece Likes, who have combined for nearly 50 on the season.
The Builders' resilience was on full display in a five-set comeback win at Avila on Oct. 8, where Southwestern erased a two-set deficit to secure the victory 23-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12.
The Lady Builders now turn their attention to conference rival Tabor College, which enters the matchup 5-13 overall and 1-4 in KCAC play. The Bluejays have struggled offensively, hitting just .096 as a team, but feature a strong defensive unit averaging over 15 digs per set. Southwestern will look to use its front-row depth and serving pressure to gain the upper hand.
With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the Lady Builders aim to continue climbing the KCAC standings as the regular season moves into its second half.
