WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College returns home Wednesday night to face a tall task in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) play, welcoming nationally ranked team Oklahoma Wesleyan to Stewart Field House. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
Oklahoma Wesleyan (13-1) overall and (2-0 KCAC) has stormed through the opening weeks of the season, dropping only one match to Corban Univeristy. Since then, the Eagles have reeled off eight straight victories, including a five-set thriller at Bethel last weekend. They have been dominant offensively, averaging nearly 15 kills per set while hitting .248 as a team.
Their outside hitter, Evelyn Rohrberg, leads the Eagles with 252 kills, averaging 5.73 per set and hitting at a .337 clip. Setter, Sydney Collins, keeps the attack balanced with 517 assists, dishing out 12.6 per set. On defense, libero Maria Luisa Caycedo anchors the back row with 212 digs, while middle blocker Tijana Stojiljkovic averages nearly a block per set.
Southwestern (7-9) overall and (1-1 KCAC) has battled through a challenging nonconference slate but enters on an upswing after sweeping Sterling on the road. The Moundbuilders are unbeaten at home (4-0) and will look to use the home crowd to their advantage against the Eagles' high-powered attack.
Offensively, Southwestern is led by freshamn outside hitter Mikki Johnson who has 132 kills (2.81 per set) and senior outside hitter Autumn Bennett who has 117 kills (2.60 per set). Senior setter Natalie Blaufuss directs the offense with 235 assists, while senior libero Avery Riedel paces the defense with 187 digs, averaging 3.6 per set. At the net, middle hitter Macey Collier has been a bright spot, hitting .324 with 23 total blocks.
Statistically, the matchup features a contrast in styles. Oklahoma Wesleyan thrives on its efficiency, out-hitting opponents .248 to .140 this season, while Southwestern relies on serving pressure (102 aces) and defensive resilience. The Moundbuilders will look to slow the Eagles' high-tempo offense, which averages nearly four more kills per set than their opponents.
Wednesday night game marks Southwestern's KCAC home opener, and the Moundbuilders will aim for another home win against a surging Oklahoma Wesleyan squad.
