YORK, Neb. — Southwestern College opened the new year on the road Saturday afternoon and fell 81-65 to York (Neb.) in Conference play.

The Lady Builders (4-9, 0-8) were led by Macey Pond, who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while going 8 of 9 at the free-throw line. Southwestern also got 11 points apiece from Breanna Goad, Kennedy Ford and Martha De La Rosa.

Southwestern trailed 19-10 after the first quarter, then responded with its best defensive stretch in the second. The Lady Builders held York to 10 points in the period to pull within 29-25 at halftime.

York (6-9, 1-7) created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Southwestern 27-18 behind a surge from the perimeter. The Panthers finished 14 of 38 from 3-point range and carried a 56-43 lead into the fourth.

Ford added five assists for Southwestern, while De La Rosa contributed five rebounds and three assists. Allyson Frank chipped in six points and eight rebounds, and Emma Parker added six points, five rebounds and two assists as the Lady Builders finished with 39 rebounds and matched York with 24 points off turnovers.

Destiny Shepherd scored 22 points to lead York, with Sylvia Valentino adding 14 off the bench. Zoe Brown had 13 and Alliyana Page finished with 12 for the Panthers.

Southwestern returns home Wednesday, Jan. 7, to host Evangel University (Mo.) at 5 p.m. at Stewart Field House.