WINFIELD, Kan. – Southwestern will look to end a seven-match skid when it returns to Stewart Field House on Tuesday night for its home opener against Hesston College. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Lady Builders (1-8) have faced a grueling early schedule, playing their first nine matches away from home. Their lone win came against Philander Smith on Aug. 22, but the team has struggled to find success, including hard-fought battles with Graceland and Mount Marty.

Southwestern's offense has been anchored by freshman outside hitter Mikki Johnson, who leads the Builders with 89 kills (2.62 per set). Senior Autumn Bennett adds 66 kills at a .197 clip, while middle hitter Macey Collier has been efficient, posting a team-best .291 hitting percentage with 54 kills. Defensively, libero Avery Riedel has been steady in the back row, recording 116 digs (3.41 per set), with setter Reece Likes directing the attack at 4.18 assists per set.

Hesston (0-3) enters still searching for its first win of the season. The Larks have struggled offensively, hitting just -.010 as a team while averaging 5.2 kills per set. Freshman Kennedie Esparza leads Hesston with 16 kills and a .213 hitting percentage, while Layla Romero has added 11 kills over 10 sets.

Southwestern averages 10.0 kills and 12.35 digs per set, slightly ahead of Hesston's 5.2 kills and 12.2 digs per set. Service pressure may play a role, with the Builders posting 1.76 aces per set, compared to 1.1 for the Larks.

The match will mark the first opportunity for Southwestern to play in front of its home crowd this season at Stewart Field House.