WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College volleyball returns home looking to regain momentum as the Moundbuilders host Bethany College in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference action this week.
Southwestern (9-16, 2-8 KCAC) continues to show signs of growth, highlighted by the emergence of freshman outside hitter Mikki Johnson. Johnson leads the team with 206 kills, averaging 2.68 per set, and has quickly become one of the Builders' most reliable offensive options. Fellow hitter Autumn Bennett has been equally effective with 203 kills and a .229 hitting percentage, providing a strong one-two punch on the front line.
In the middle, junior Macey Collier has been a steady presence, ranking among the team leaders with a .315 attack percentage and 35 total blocks. Freshman outside hitter Ashlyn Tag adds balance with 169 kills and 27 service aces, giving the offense another consistent threat.
Running the offense is junior setter Natalie Blaufuss, who has dished out 388 assists on the season. Blaufuss shares setting duties with senior Reece Likes, who has recorded 323 assists and 28 service aces. Together, the duo has helped the Builders average over 10 assists per set.
Defensively, senior libero Avery Riedel anchors the back row with 304 digs (3.58 per set), while senior defensive specialist Riley Valley contributes valuable experience with 127 digs. The Builders' front line is supported by middle blocker Haleigh Weber, and right-side hitter Haylie Poole who have combined for 67 total blocks, helping Southwestern average more than a block per set.
Despite recent struggles in conference play, Southwestern has shown competitive energy and improvement throughout the season. The Builders' most recent win came in a sweep at Randall, highlighted by a balanced team attack and strong serving performance.
Bethany (4-16, 1-9 KCAC) enters the matchup seeking to halt a five-match skid. The Swedes' attack is powered by Ashlynn Gehring (159 kills, .176 hitting) and Jordyn Carpenter (153 kills, 211 digs). Setter Danairis Ortiz Reyes has been a key playmaker, distributing 255 assists, while libero Michelle Acevedo Ortiz anchors the defense with 456 digs — good for over six per set.
Southwestern averages 10.5 kills and 13.7 digs per set, with a team hitting percentage of .141, while opponents hit .190. Bethany posts similar offensive numbers with 11.3 kills per set and a .144 team attack rate but has struggled to contain opposing hitters defensively.
The Builders and Swedes last met in 2024, with Southwestern claiming a decisive sweep. A win Thursday would give SC its third conference victory and a boost in the KCAC standings heading into the final stretch of the season.
First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside Stewart Field House.
