WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern dropped both ends of a KCAC softball doubleheader to Friends on Wednesday, falling 17-1 in five innings in the opener before a 10-2 setback in the nightcap.

Friends set the tone early in Game 1, scoring in every inning and piling up 20 hits in a run-rule victory. Southwestern was limited to six hits and pushed across its lone run in the fifth inning to avoid the shutout.

Fayth Howard led the Moundbuilders at the plate in the opener, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Taylor Mesna and Jolie Boyd each added a hit.

Despite the scoreline, Southwestern's pitching staff continued to compete in the circle, working through a high-volume offensive attack and continuing to battle inning by inning.

Southwestern showed early promise in Game 2, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Tiara Henry scored one of the runs and Jolie Boyd drove in another as the Builders capitalized on early opportunities.

However, Friends responded with a five-run second inning and never relinquished control, adding insurance runs in the third, fifth and sixth frames.

The Moundbuilders finished with seven hits in the second game, with Mesna collecting two and Henry and Taya Gable each adding a hit and a run scored.

Ezra Arredondo turned in a steady performance in the circle, allowing just one earned run over five innings while striking out three and keeping Southwestern within striking distance deep into the game.

Southwestern will look to regroup as it continues KCAC play in its next outing.