NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Kaitlyn Walker's first-half goal proved to be the difference as Southwestern College edged Bethel College 1–0 on Saturday afternoon at Thresher Stadium in Conference women's soccer action.

Walker found the back of the net in the 14th minute, finishing a well-placed assist from Millie Hazzard to give the Moundbuilders a 1–0 lead. It was Walker's third goal of the season. Southwestern carried that advantage into halftime after limiting the Threshers to just one shot in the opening period.

The Moundbuilders continued to apply pressure in the second half, recording three more shots and nearly doubling their lead in the 71st minute when Natalie Belanger's strike rattled the crossbar. Bethel responded with seven second-half shots, including a pair of dangerous efforts from Malayasia Larque and Regina Mendoza, Mendoza's late attempt in the 89th minute struck the bar, but the hosts were unable to break through.

Goalkeeper Hayden Clark anchored the Southwestern defense, recording three saves en route to the clean sheet, including key stops in the 31st and 81st minutes to preserve the lead. Defenders Kaila Correa, Maggie Bielefeld, and Hanna Culp, who each logged the full 90 minutes, were instrumental in holding Bethel's attack scoreless despite late pressure.

With the win, Southwestern improves to 3–4–2 overall and 3–1–2 in KCAC play, picking up their third conference victory via shutout this season. Bethel falls to 1–8–2 overall and 1–5–0 in conference action.

Southwestern will return home next Wednesday, Oct. 8, for a 5 p.m. kickoff against Avila University in their seventh conference match of the season.