WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College struck first in both games, but Bethel answered quickly and pulled away to sweep a KCAC softball doubleheader Wednesday.

In the opener, Southwestern managed just three hits and fell 9-1 in six innings. The Moundbuilders broke through in the second when Mackenzie Reinart tripled and later scored on a sacrifice bunt by Lainey Hardman, giving SWC an early 1-0 edge .

Bethel responded with two runs in the bottom of the first and added to its lead with multi-run innings in the third, fourth and fifth. The Threshers finished with 13 hits while holding Southwestern to three, as Bethel pitcher Emma Killingsworth struck out nine over five innings .

Jolie Boyd led Southwestern at the plate in Game 1 with two hits, while Reinart scored the team's lone run.

In the second game, Southwestern again jumped out early, scoring in the first inning. Tiara Henry drew a leadoff walk, advanced into scoring position, and eventually came home on a fielder's choice off the bat of Jolie Boyd to give the Builders a 1-0 lead .

Bethel answered immediately and never looked back, scoring in each of the first four innings, including a six-run third inning to break the game open. The Threshers totaled 14 hits and 11 runs in the 11-1, five-inning win .

Southwestern scattered three hits in the nightcap, with Aubrey Allison, Taylor Mesna and Lainey Hardman each recording one. Hardman added a double, while Boyd drove in the lone run.

The Moundbuilders drew five walks in Game 2 but were unable to capitalize, leaving six runners on base. Bethel, meanwhile, took advantage of opportunities and defensive miscues, as Southwestern committed three errors in the field .

With the sweep, Southwestern drops both games of the conference doubleheader and will look to regroup in its next outing.