WINFIELD, Kan. — After a strong showing on opening day, Southwestern will continue its season-opening series against Graceland on Friday at Broadway Sports Complex, with first pitch scheduled for the same time as Thursday's doubleheader.

The Moundbuilders opened the 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, sweeping Graceland 5-0 and 7-1 behind dominant pitching and timely hitting.

In the opener, Faith Campbell set the tone with a complete-game two-hit shutout, striking out seven over seven innings. Southwestern broke through in the third inning and put the game away with a three-run sixth, highlighted by Tiara Henry's bases-clearing triple.

The offense carried over into the second game as Southwestern pounded out 11 hits in a 7-1 victory. Eliana Ortiz delivered the decisive blow with a three-run double during a four-run fifth inning, while Emma Willesden went the distance in the circle, allowing one run on five hits and striking out six.

Henry, Taylor Mesna, Ellie Kucera and Ortiz each produced multi-hit efforts on opening day, giving the Moundbuilders production throughout the lineup. Southwestern outscored Graceland 12-1 in the doubleheader and limited the Yellowjackets to seven combined hits across the two games.

Graceland will look to regroup as the series continues Friday, aiming to generate more consistent offense after being held to two hits in the opener and unable to overcome Southwestern's big fifth inning in the nightcap.

For Southwestern, Friday presents an opportunity to build on its early momentum and continue its strong start as the opening series at Broadway Sports Complex resumes.