WINFIELD, Kan. – The Southwestern College Builders (0-1,0-1) fell to the Baker University Wildcats (2-3,2-0) 34-12 in their first conference flag football matchup on Saturday, March 1. The game, held at Richard L. Jantz Stadium, marked the conference opener for Southwestern College. 

Baker's offense exploded early, taking a commanding 14-0 lead in the first half. The Wildcats' quarterback Tara Llorente connected with Sanija Waller on a 57-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring with just seconds left in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Waller ran for an 8-yard touchdown, pushing Baker's lead to 14-0 with 10:53 left in the half.

Southwestern responded late in the second quarter with a highlight-reel play. Quarterback Kennedi Hayes found Devina Lytle for a touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 14-6. However, Baker answered right back, with Gabriella Zabaletta hauling in a 66-yard touchdown pass from Kaley Phillips as the first half came to a close, giving the Wildcats a 21-6 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw Southwestern rally once again, with Amirra Parker finding Mary Jones for a 44-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 21-12 early in the third quarter. However, despite a strong defensive performance and some big plays from the offense, Southwestern was unable to close the gap further. Baker would score again in the fourth quarter with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Llorente to Zabaletta, sealing the 34-12 victory for the Wildcats.

Southwestern's defense, led by Teagan Smith with eight tackles and a sack, kept the Builders in the game, while Hayes threw for 129 yards and a touchdown. Despite the result, Southwestern will look to bounce back next week as they continue conference play. Southwestern College will travel to Salina, Kansas, to play Kansas Wesleyan next Wednesday University at 6 p.m.