WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College dropped a straight-set decision to Ottawa University on Wednesday night, falling 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play at Wilson Field House.
Southwestern opened the match with energy, trading points throughout the first set and holding a brief lead midway through behind the play of pin hitters Autumn Bennett and Ashlyn Tag. Bennett sparked the attack with several early kills, while Tag added powerful swings from the right side to keep the Builders within striking distance. After trailing just 18-17 late in the set, Southwestern couldn't slow Ottawa's closing surge, as the Braves took the opener 25-20.
The second set saw the Braves take control offensively, hitting an impressive .536 as a team. Southwestern continued to battle, led by Bennett's steady attacking and strong setting from junior Natalie Blaufuss, who finished with 16 assists and an ace. Macey Collier provided efficient play in the middle with four kills on a .600 hitting percentage and a pair of blocks, while Tag and freshman Sarah Dippre each added key points at the net. Despite several well-executed plays and smart distribution from Blaufuss and Reece Likes, who totaled eight assists and five digs, the Moundbuilders couldn't overcome Ottawa's offensive rhythm, dropping the set 25-17.
Southwestern regrouped in the third set and pushed Ottawa in a back-and-forth battle that featured five ties and three lead changes. Bennett again led the charge with nine kills and three block assists, while Tag added seven kills on a .333 hitting clip. The Builders' front line showed strong defensive presence with Haleigh Weber recording four block assists, and Collier teaming up on two more. In the back row, Avery Riedel anchored the defense with 13 digs and strong serve reception, while Likes and Riley Valley each contributed multiple digs to keep rallies alive. Southwestern's team hitting percentage improved to .167, and the Builders totaled 29 kills, 42 digs, and 10 block assists for the match.
Ottawa finished the night hitting .305 as a team, led by Bailee Nickel's 11 kills and Samantha Stahl's 9 kills and 14 digs. With the win, the Braves improved to 7-11 overall and 4-4 in conference play, while Southwestern dropped to 8-15 and 2-7 in the KCAC.
Southwestern will look to bounce back when it travels to Salina, Kansas, on Friday to face Kansas Wesleyan University. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. as the Moundbuilders aim to regain momentum in KCAC play and build on the offensive efforts from Wednesday's contest.
