NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Southwestern College hits the road Friday for a KCAC softball doubleheader against Bethel College, as both teams look to gain ground late in the conference season.

The Moundbuilders (9-21, 1-17 KCAC) are hoping to rebound from a tough home sweep against Saint Mary. Despite recent struggles, Southwestern continues to lean on junior catcher Tiara Henry, who leads the team with a .325 batting average, 25 hits, and 14 RBIs. Junior Reagan Wright adds consistency atop the lineup, hitting .325 with eight stolen bases, while Lainey Hardman and Emily Garza provide steady support in the middle of the order.

Southwestern's pitching staff, led by sophomore Faith Campbell, will be tested again on the road. Campbell has logged a team-high 71 innings and seven complete games, while freshman Morgan Shaw and sophomore Emma Willesden provide additional depth in the circle.

Bethel College (8-21, 4-14 KCAC) comes in with similar struggles, having dropped four of its last five games. Offensively, the Threshers are paced by Kaylee Linnebur (.317, 13 RBIs) and Kailey Sandoval (.308, 18 RBIs). Freshman Ashleigh Bodine and junior Ella Caudill also add solid production to a lineup that's batting .268 as a team.

Pitching has been a challenge for Bethel, as the Threshers carry an 8.81 team ERA. Emma Killingsworth (4-7, 6.86 ERA) has been the primary starter, supported by Kayla Richardson and Emily Demartino, who have struggled with run prevention and control.

Both teams enter the series looking to break losing streaks and build late-season momentum. With offensive leaders on both sides and vulnerable pitching staffs, Friday's matchup in North Newton could come down to which team makes fewer mistakes defensively. Bethel has committed 49 errors this season, while Southwestern holds a .940 team fielding percentage.

First pitch is set for 1 P.M.