WINFIELD, Kan. – The Moundbuilders of Southwestern College return to Richard L. Jantz Stadium this week for Homecoming Week and a key Conference battle against the Ottawa University Braves. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, October 22, at 5 p.m. in Winfield.
Southwestern enters the match with an overall record of 4-6-3, and a KCAC mark of 4-3-3. At home, they are 2-4-2. They've scored 14 goals this season on 91 shots for a shot-conversion rate of .154, while their opponents have rattled off 18 goals on 166 shots (.108 conversion). The team's shots-on-goal percentage is .571 (52 of 91), compared to opponents at .584 (97 of 166). The Moundbuilders have registered 22 corner kicks, giving up 55.
Goalkeeper Hayden Clark has played all 1,170 minutes for Southwestern, recording 75 saves, an .806 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.38.
Leading the Moundbuilders attack is senior forward Kaitlyn Walker, who has appeared in all 13 games and registered 4 goals and 2 assists for 10 points. She has taken 7 shots, 6 on goal (an .857 SOG %), and recorded one game-winning goal. Junior Millie Hazzard has emerged as a key contributor with 3 goals, 3 assists for 9 points on 21 shots (9 on goal, .429 SOG %). Hanna Culp and Sarah Hobrecht each have a goal, with Culp providing the game-winning strike and Hobrecht contributing strongly off the wing.
On the flip side, Ottawa brings a 4-6-3 overall record and a 3-4-2 conference slate. They've scored 21 goals on 105 shots (.200 conversion) and allowed 26 goals on 158 shots (.166 conversion). Their shots-on-goal rate is .590 (62 of 105) while giving up .599 (94 of 157).
Senior Riley Smith leads the Braves with 5 goals and 2 assists (12 points), launching 26 shots with 14 on target (.538 SOG %). Peyton Hack also has 5 goals, on 18 shots (.278 SH%), with 8 on goal (.444 SOG %).
When these two programs meet, Ottawa holds the historical edge: in 21 match-ups dating back to 2004, the Braves have recorded 13 wins, 5 losses and 3 ties. At home, Southwestern is 2-6-1 against Ottawa, giving the Builders cause for optimism heading into the week.
After a tough early non-conference slate (0-3), the team has rebounded in conference play, notably a 5-0 victory over Sterling and a 1-0 road win at McPherson. The home date against Ottawa provides a chance to extend their home winning mark, and build momentum for the final stretch of the KCAC season
Ottawa, for their part, comes in with offensive weapons in Smith and Hack and will test the Builder back line. If Southwestern is to prevail, limiting Ottawa's attack and converting its own chances will be key. For the Moundbuilders, the formula is clear: a strong start, control of the midfield, and clinical finishing.
Kickoff is set for Wednesday, October 22, at 5 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield.
