WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College opens the 2026 calendar year on the road Saturday, Jan. 3, when the Lady Builders visit York University (Neb.) for a Conference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Freeman Center in York.

Southwestern enters the contest 4–9 overall and 0–7 in conference play after closing December with a loss at Nebraska–Kearney. The Lady Builders are averaging 61.6 points per game and have relied on a balanced lineup throughout the nonconference portion of the season.

Senior guard Macey Pond leads Southwestern at 16.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, shooting better than 42 percent from the field. Guards Breanna Goad (10.7 points per game) and Martha De La Rosa (10.2) give the Lady Builders additional scoring punch from the perimeter, with Southwestern averaging 7.5 made 3-pointers per game this season.

York brings a 5–9 overall record into Saturday's game and, like Southwestern, is seeking its first KCAC win at 0–7. The Panthers average 65.1 points per game and are led by senior guard Destiny Shepherd, who is scoring 15.8 points per contest while shooting just over 40 percent from the floor. York averages 39.4 rebounds per game and ranks among the conference leaders in steals, forcing nearly 12 takeaways per outing.

The matchup figures to hinge on rebounding and ball control. Southwestern averages 31.4 rebounds per game and has committed 14.8 turnovers per contest, while York uses its defensive pressure to create transition opportunities.

History has favored the Panthers in the series. York has won the last 10 meetings between the two programs, including a 71–60 decision on Feb. 1, 2025, in York. Southwestern's last victory in the series came during the 2019–20 season, when the Lady Builders earned an 80–69 road win.

Saturday's game offers both teams a chance to open the new year with momentum as conference play resumes. For Southwestern, improved efficiency on offense and a disciplined defensive effort will be key as the Lady Builders look to turn the page in 2026.