*Story note: Stats used in this story do not reflect National Championship stats combined with season stats.
WINFIELD, Kan. — In just its second year as a program, the Southwestern College flag football team capped off the 2025 season with a berth in the NAIA Flag Football National Championship, finishing with a 6-7 overall record and 6-5 in conference play.
The Lady Builders traveled to Riverside, Mo. for the NAIA postseason tournament, going 1-4 for the tournament. They opened with back-to-back losses to St. Thomas University (Fla.), 45-0, and Warner University, 61-0. On day two, Southwestern bounced back with a 21-7 victory over the University of Saint Mary to advance to the knockout round, where they narrowly fell to William Woods, 21-20.
Southwestern's season was highlighted by key conference victories, including dominant wins over Bethel (68-0, 47-0), Saint Mary (19-7), and Campbellsville (12-8). The team went 3-2 at home and 3-5 on the road.
Quarterback Kennedi Hayes led the offense, throwing for 2,022 yards and 23 touchdowns. She added 311 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground. Sophomore Olivia Manfre was the top receiver, totaling 705 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Mary Jones contributed 471 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Builders totaled 21 interceptions, led by Olivia Manfre with 9, Vivianna Solis with 5, and Mary Jones with 2, both of which were returned for touchdowns. Teagan Smith led the team in total tackles (56), while Andrea Moon added 51 and 6 sacks.
Southwestern was outscored 268-234 on the year but proved competitive throughout, especially late in the season with a surge that earned them a spot among the nation's top teams. With a young core and postseason experience, the program continues to build strong momentum moving into year three.
