WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College softball team looks to build momentum as it prepares to face winless Mission University on Feb 27 in a non-conference matchup.
The Moundbuilders (1-1) are coming off a split in their opening doubleheader, falling to Central Christian College 11-4 before bouncing back with a win in their home opener. Offensively, they are led by junior Taylor Mesna, who is hitting .667 after the first game of the season. Freshman Reagan Wright and Emily Garza have also contributed at the plate, each batting .500.
Southwestern's pitching staff will look to improve after surrendering 11 runs on 16 hits in the season opener. Freshman Morgan Shaw (0-0, 8.75 ERA) and sophomore Emma Willesden (0-0, 11.67 ERA) will likely be key contributors in the circle against a Mission lineup that has struggled to find consistency.
Mission University (0-8) is still searching for its first victory of the season after dropping eight consecutive neutral-site contests. The Saints are batting just .176 as a team and have struggled to generate runs, plating only 10 in their first eight games. Courtney Merrell (.333 AVG, 4 RBIs) and Jocelyn Cunningham (.300 AVG) have been the lone bright spots offensively.
On the mound, Mission's pitching staff holds a 5.65 ERA, with Kate Potter (0-4, 4.54 ERA) and Tessa Cline (0-4, 6.89 ERA) seeing the bulk of the innings. The Saints have allowed 60 runs through eight games, which could play into Southwestern's favor.
The Moundbuilders will look to capitalize on Mission's early-season struggles and notch their second win of the year. First pitch is scheduled for 1 and 3PM at the Brodway Sports Complex.
