WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College softball team (5-3) is set to open KCAC play on the road as they travel to face the Evangel Valor (14-4). The Moundbuilders will aim to start conference action on a strong note against a Valor squad that has excelled early this season.
Southwestern's offense has been a strength through the early portion of the season, hitting .338 as a team with a .402 on-base percentage. Junior outfielder Lainey Hardman has been the standout performer, batting .435 with two doubles, one triple, and one home run while driving in nine runs. Sophomore infielder Fayth Howard has also provided consistent production, hitting .450 with a .560 on-base percentage.
On the mound, Faith Campbell leads the Moundbuilders' pitching staff with a 3.97 ERA across 24.2 innings, striking out 10 batters. Morgan Shaw has chipped in with a 3.79 ERA over 20.1 innings, while freshman Emma Willesden looks to bounce back from a difficult recent stretch.
Evangel enters the matchup boasting a strong 14-4 record and a 1.83 team ERA. The Valor are led offensively by senior Ellie Facklam, who is batting .469 with nine doubles and 18 RBIs. Kenna Mayfield has been a threat on the basepaths, hitting .413 with 23 runs scored and 16 stolen bases.
Evangel's pitching staff has been exceptional, anchored by Maddy Meierer, who holds an impressive 0.40 ERA with an 8-1 record over 52 innings. Meierer has struck out 49 batters and is limiting opponents to a .125 batting average. Bodie Smith has provided additional support, posting a 0.55 ERA across 12.2 innings.
The Moundbuilders will need to generate offense early and find consistency on the mound to challenge the red-hot Valor. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Springfield as Southwestern looks to kick off KCAC play with a key road victory.
