NORTH NEWTON, Kan.— Southwestern College's (9-23, 1-17) offense came alive in the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader, but a nine-run third inning by Bethel (10-21, 6-14)  proved too much to overcome in a 16-8 loss at Wedel Field.

The Moundbuilders tallied 11 hits and scored in three straight innings, including a four-run fourth that briefly extended the game. Jolie Boyd led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Kalli Viegra added a pair of RBIs, and Mackenzie Reinert and Reagan Wright each drove in runs.

Despite the offensive production, eight fielding errors plagued Southwestern's effort. The third inning collapse saw the Threshers capitalize on miscues and timely hitting to pull away. Emma Willesden was charged with the loss, allowing 10 runs—just two earned—over 2.1 innings. Faith Campbell pitched the final 2.1 innings, giving up six runs (three earned) while striking out one.

After a strong offensive showing in the opener, Southwestern couldn't replicate the success in Game 2, falling 9-1 in five innings as Bethel secured the sweep.

The Moundbuilders were limited to six hits and one run, which came in the fifth inning on a Tiara Henry RBI single. By then, Bethel had already built a commanding lead behind consistent scoring in each of the first four frames.Morgan Shaw started for Southwestern and surrendered nine runs—five earned—on 12 hits over four innings. The Moundbuilders again struggled defensively, committing four errors that contributed to Bethel's big day at the plate.

Henry led the offense with a 2-for-3 outing, and Boyd, Garza, and Wright each chipped in with a hit. But the team couldn't string together enough baserunners to mount a comeback.

Southwestern looks to regroup and bounce back as they return to conference play next week.