WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College opens its road slate Thursday with a doubleheader against Southwestern Christian in Bethany, Oklahoma. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with game two set for 3 p.m.
The Builders enter at 4-2 overall after winning three of four against Graceland and splitting a pair with Central Christian (Kan.). Southwestern has hit .273 as a team through six games, collecting 45 hits and 23 runs.
Eliana Ortiz leads the Builders with a .462 batting average and three doubles, while Jolie Boyd is hitting .455. Taylor Mesna is batting .421 with eight hits and three RBIs, and Aubrey Allison is hitting .316 with two doubles. Ellie Kucera has added five hits and four runs scored to help pace the offense.
In the circle, Southwestern owns a 1.91 team ERA with 38 strikeouts in 44 innings. Emma Willesden is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA and one save, while Faith Campbell has posted a 1.75 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 24 innings, including a shutout. The Builders are 2-1 in one-run games this season.
Southwestern Christian enters the matchup unbeaten at 4-0 and has been one of the most productive offenses early in the season, batting .390 as a team while scoring 27 runs. Raynie Tom is hitting .875 to lead the Eagles, while Hannah Keele (.600) and Kylee Coy (.571) have also sparked the lineup. Trinity Norwood provides power with two home runs and seven RBIs.
The Eagles have also been strong in the circle, posting a 2.00 team ERA and holding opponents to a .277 batting average. Lainey King is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, and Macey Weger owns a 1.11 ERA in four appearances.
Thursday's twin bill will feature two teams that have relied on strong pitching and timely hitting early in the season, as the Builders look to continue building momentum away from home.
