WINFIELD, Kan.— Southwestern needed only 12 shots to put away Saint Mary, scoring six first-half goals on the way to a 6-2 victory Wednesday night in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play.
The Moundbuilders (2-1 KCAC) were ruthlessly efficient, placing nine of their 12 attempts on frame and converting six of them. Marcos Benavidez scored twice in the opening 16 minutes, Bernabe Lopez added two goals and an assist, and Jack Bagley-Etheridge finished with two goals and an assist. Midfielder Connor Inlow added two assists as Southwestern overwhelmed the Spires.
Goalkeeper KJ Masso provided the backstop with six saves, three in each half, as the Builders maintained control despite Saint Mary's late push.
The Spires (0-2-1 KCAC) scored twice after halftime, with Jude Rodwell connecting in the 49th minute and Daniel Castro in the 62nd, but they could not keep possession long enough to threaten a comeback.
With the win, Southwestern showed just how intense and dangerous it can be, proving it has the firepower and balance to be a force in the 2025 KCAC season. The Moundbuilders return home Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1:30 p.m. to face Sterling College at Richard L. Jantz Stadium — another chance to keep their momentum rolling and prove they are one of the league's teams to beat.
