WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern will head to Missouri on Thursday for a nonconference doubleheader against Mission University, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Springfield.
The Moundbuilders enter play at 4-6 overall and 0-2 in conference action, looking to snap a four-game skid and regain early-season momentum. Southwestern opened the season by winning four of its first six contests and has been competitive in close games, posting a 2-1 mark in one-run decisions.
Offensively, the Builders are batting .246 as a team through 10 games with 60 hits. Taylor Mesna leads the lineup with a .414 average and 12 hits, while Jolie Boyd is hitting .368. Eliana Ortiz (.333) and Tiara Henry (.320) have provided consistent production in the middle of the order.
In the circle, Faith Campbell has logged a team-high 28 innings with 28 strikeouts and a 4.25 ERA. Emma Willesden has added two wins and a save in 24 innings, giving Southwestern multiple options across the twin bill.
Mission enters the matchup at 0-4 overall. The Patriots are hitting .169 as a team through four games, led by Jillian McDaniel's .500 average in limited at-bats and Kloe Hendrickson's .300 mark.
Mission's pitching staff carries a 5.88 ERA in 25 innings this season. Hailey Presley owns a 4.57 ERA in 7.2 innings, while Kate Potter has thrown a team-high 11.1 innings.
Southwestern will look to generate early offense and limit free baserunners defensively as it aims to return to the win column on the road before resuming conference play.
