WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern softball returns to KCAC play Saturday with a road doubleheader against Kansas Wesleyan, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. followed by game two at 6 p.m. in Salina.
The Moundbuilders (5-17, 1-9 KCAC) look to bounce back after a challenging stretch in conference play, most recently dropping a pair of games at Oklahoma Wesleyan earlier this week.
Kansas Wesleyan enters the weekend at 9-14 overall and 4-6 in league play, holding a slight edge in the conference standings. The Coyotes have been solid offensively, batting .301 as a team with 94 runs scored through 23 games.
Southwestern will aim to generate more consistent production at the plate, currently hitting .235 as a team while looking to increase its run output this season. Taylor Mesna has led the Moundbuilders offensively, posting a .434 batting average with 23 hits, while Jolie Boyd (.333) and Aubrey Allison (.250) have also contributed in the lineup.
The Coyotes are paced by a balanced lineup that features Brooklyn Lange (.392) and Keira Hammen (.347), with Hammen leading the team with five home runs and 20 RBIs. Kansas Wesleyan has also shown power throughout the order, tallying nine home runs and 41 doubles as a team.
In the circle, Southwestern will look for improved outings, while Kansas Wesleyan carries a 3.57 team ERA led by Addie Herrera (2.44 ERA, 4-1) and Alli Mickelsen (3.36 ERA).
Saturday's doubleheader marks an important opportunity for the Moundbuilders to gain ground in the conference standings as they continue the heart of their KCAC schedule.
