WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern will look to carry momentum from a recent winning stretch into its Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference opener when they visits Saint Mary on Wednesday night. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
The Moundbuilders (6-8) have strung together four straight victories, including sweeps of Hesston College and Randall, after a challenging start to the season that featured seven consecutive losses. Freshman outside hitter Mikki Johnson has led the way with a team-high 122 kills (2.77 per set), while senior, Autumn Bennett has added 105 kills at a .244 attack percentage. Junior setter, Natalie Blaufuss paces the offense with 215 assists, and senior libero Avery Riedel anchors the defense with 170 digs (3.47 per set).
Saint Mary (11-5) enters their first home conference game strong. With their nonconference campaign, highlighted by a 6-2 mark at neutral sites. The Spires are led offensively by Chloe Byrd, who averages 2.91 kills per set with a .225 hitting percentage, and MJ Stephens, who has tallied 143 kills. On defense, libero Gabby Kurle has compiled 281 digs (5.20 per set), ranking among the KCAC leaders.
Southwestern has yet to win on the road this season (4-7), while Saint Mary has been tough to beat at home with a 4-0 record. The matchup also marks the first conference test for the Southwestern Moundbuilders, as they look to establish an early foothold in league play.
