Bartlesville, Okla. — Southwestern College's late rally fell short as the Moundbuilders (2-7,0-3) lost to Oklahoma Wesleyan (17-1,5-1), in a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup 8-4, on Friday, February 28, 2025. 

Entering the eighth inning trailing 8-1, Southwestern mounted a comeback, scoring three runs. Freshman Lucas Knee delivered a pivotal moment for the Moundbuilders, hitting a three-run home run that reduced the deficit to 8-4. Knee ended the day with a 2-for-4 performance, including three RBIs and two runs scored. Skyler Espinoza also contributed with an RBI single, while J.J Cardinal and Preston Carrillo each recorded a hit.

Micah Cleveland, the starting pitcher for Southwestern, took the loss after allowing four runs on three hits over five innings while striking out three batters. Oklahoma Wesleyan's offensive display was bolstered by three home runs, including a crucial two-run shot in the fifth inning that padded their lead.

Throughout the first seven innings, the Moundbuilders managed only one run before their late-game surge. Despite finishing with eight hits, they struck out 12 times against the Oklahoma Wesleyan pitching staff. Southwestern will aim to rebound in the second game of the series on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:00 PM.