WINFIELD, Kan.— Southwestern will remain on the road for conference play Monday when the Lady Builders visit Avila University in a rematch of an earlier KCAC matchup at Mabee Fieldhouse. The game was moved to Monday, Jan. 26, because of a snowstorm, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.
Southwestern (4-15, 0-13) enters still searching for its first league win after a 66-60 loss at Tabor on Jan. 21. The Lady Builders have shown the ability to score in spurts behind perimeter shooting, averaging 8.0 made 3-pointers per game, but have been challenged by turnovers and the glass. Southwestern is scoring 60.8 points per game while allowing 77.3, and is being out-rebounded by 7.8 boards per contest (31.8 to 39.6). The Lady Builders are shooting 36.5% from the field and 29.7% from 3-point range.
Avila (10-9, 6-7) has been steady at home this season with an 8-2 record in Kansas City. The Eagles average 72.1 points per game and shoot 44.9% from the field, while holding opponents to 40.3% shooting. Avila has also leaned on the free-throw line (75.6%) and an active defense that generates 8.6 steals per game.
Monday's matchup features several of the league's most productive scorers. Southwestern is led by Macey Pond (16.1 points, 9.1 rebounds per game), with Breanna Goad (11.2 points per game) and Kennedy Ford (10.9) providing additional scoring punch. Martha De La Rosa (9.7) has been a key perimeter threat, hitting 34 3-pointers, while Goad leads the team with 47 made triples.
Avila counters with forward Madilyn Melton, who is averaging 17.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 59.9% from the floor. Guard Marlie Wright adds 14.9 points per game and is the Eagles' top playmaker at 4.9 assists per contest, and Kathleen Stanley has been one of Avila's primary long-range weapons with 49 made 3-pointers on 43.8% shooting from deep.
The meeting Monday is the second between the teams this season. Avila took the first matchup 90-56 on Dec. 6 in Winfield, using 12 made 3-pointers and 55.2% shooting to pull away after leading 43-32 at halftime. Southwestern's Ford scored 20 points in that game, and Goad added 16.
Historically, Avila has held the upper hand in the series. The Eagles lead the all-time matchup 11-4 dating back to 2011, including a 5-1 advantage in games played in Kansas City. Southwestern has won three of the last 10 meetings, including a 56-48 home victory on Jan. 25, 2025, but Avila has won the most recent matchup to take a one-game streak into Monday.
For Southwestern, limiting second-chance points and valuing possessions will be a priority against an Avila team that has been efficient offensively and tough at home. For the Eagles, continuing to generate clean perimeter looks and controlling the paint could set the tone as they look to strengthen their position in the KCAC race.
