Southwestern Drops Doubleheader to Friends

Wichita, Kan. — March 8, 2025 — The Southwestern Moundbuilders endured a tough afternoon, dropping both games of their doubleheader against Friends University in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) play at Westside Field. After a lopsided 19-1 defeat in the opener, the Moundbuilders showed resilience in the second game but ultimately fell short, losing 11-3.

Friends dominated the first game, jumping out to an early lead with three runs in the first inning before exploding for eight more in the third. Southwestern's pitching staff struggled to contain the Falcons' offense, allowing 13 hits and issuing nine walks. Southwestern (3-11, 1-8 KCAC) managed only four hits, with their lone run coming in the fifth inning when center fielder C. Smith doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by N. Perez.

In the second game, Friends (9-12, 4-7 KCAC) carried their offensive momentum into the nightcap, striking early with a six-run first inning. Southwestern showed some fight late, scoring three runs across the final two innings. K. Sibayan provided a bright spot for the Moundbuilders with a two-run home run in the seventh, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit. Friends' Z. Henson led the charge, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs.

On the mound, Southwestern's pitchers had trouble keeping Friends at bay, giving up a combined 30 runs across both games. In Game 2, starter C. Ramirez lasted just one inning, allowing six earned runs, while D. Bravo provided two solid relief innings, striking out two.