WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College softball team wrapped up the 2024-25 season with a 9-29 overall record, including a 1-25 mark in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play, marking a season of development and grit for a young and determined squad.
Despite facing adversity, the Moundbuilders showed flashes of potential throughout the spring, especially during a strong start that saw them win five of their first eight contests, including back-to-back wins over Mission (Mo.) and a series split at Central Christian (Kan.).
Junior catcher Tiara Henry led the team offensively, batting .316 with 31 hits, five doubles, two triples, one home run, and a team-high 16 RBIs. Her slugging percentage of .439 was the best on the team among regular starters. Freshman infielder Emily Garza impressed in her collegiate debut, finishing with a .317 average and contributing 20 hits and two doubles in 24 games played.
Junior outfielder Lainey Hardman provided consistent production, tallying 25 hits with seven extra-base hits, including one of the team's three home runs. Junior outfielder Reagan Wright appeared in all 36 games and led the team in at-bats (101), scoring 12 runs and swiping eight bases. Sophomore Jolie Boyd also posted a solid .277 average over 31 games while contributing defensively in the infield.
In the circle, sophomore Faith Campbell emerged as the team's most reliable pitcher. She led the pitching staff with 83.1 innings pitched across 20 appearances (15 starts), notching two wins, seven complete games, and 39 strikeouts. Despite facing heavy offensive firepower from opponents, Campbell held her own with a 6.47 ERA and a 2.05 WHIP. Freshman Morgan Shaw recorded a team-best three wins and pitched 65.0 innings with 18 strikeouts, while freshman Makenzie Miller contributed 8.1 innings across five appearances.
Offensively, Southwestern compiled a team batting average of .257 and totaled 224 hits, including 33 extra-base hits. The Moundbuilders struggled to generate sustained offense in conference play but remained aggressive on the basepaths, stealing 26 bases on the season.
Defensively, the team posted a .931 fielding percentage, led by senior Nina Celestino, who made just three errors in 97 chances for a .969 mark. Henry was strong behind the plate, posting a .954 fielding percentage while catching two would-be base stealers.
Southwestern's lone conference victory came in a hard-fought 5-3 win over Central Christian on March 18. The Moundbuilders also picked up wins against York (Neb.), Mission (Mo.), and Ecclesia.
As the program looks toward the future, a talented core of underclassmen returns with valuable experience under their belts. With continued development and leadership, the Moundbuilders hope to build on this season's foundation and return to contention in the KCAC in 2026.
