MANHATTAN, Kan. — Southwestern College opened the Joash Burt era with an impressive road victory Monday evening, defeating Manhattan Christian College 68–51 inside the Howie's Activity Center.

Freshman guard Aubrey Pond led the Lady Builders with 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while senior guard Macey Pond added 14 points and eight rebounds to power Southwestern's balanced offense. The win marked the first career victory for Burt as head coach, as the Lady Builders improved to 1–0 to start the 2025–26 season.

Southwestern shot 38.9 percent from the floor and connected on nine three-pointers, while holding the Thunder to 33.8 percent shooting and just 13.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Junior forward Allyson Frank contributed eight points and five rebounds, and junior guard Martha De La Rosa added six points and five boards. Junior Kennedy Ford scored seven points and grabbed six rebounds, while freshman Emma Parker added three points and three rebounds off the bench.

The Lady Builders also won the rebounding battle 40–33 and committed only seven turnovers compared to Manhattan's 11. Southwestern led 17–9 after the first quarter, 31–28 at halftime, and never trailed in the second half.

Manhattan Christian was led by Macayla Hines with 12 points and Atira Davis and Nekayla Williams with 11 points apiece. The Thunder fell to 0–1 after the season opener, which doubled as an exhibition contest for them.

Southwestern controlled the third quarter behind back-to-back jumpers from Aubrey Pond and a timely three from Macey Pond to extend the lead to double digits. The Builders held the Thunder to nine points in the fourth quarter while closing out the win with defensive stops and strong rebounding.

Southwestern (1–0) continues its nonconference slate next Wednesday, Nov. 5, with a 6 p.m. road matchup at Peru State College in Peru, Neb.