FORT WORTH, Texas — Southwestern leaned on a dominant defensive effort and a timely big play to defeat Texas Wesleyan 11-0 on Friday.
The Builders improved to (7-5) (5-5). Texas Wesleyan dropped to (3-6).
Southwestern took control early and never trailed, opening the scoring with a safety at the 8:35 mark of the first quarter after forcing Texas Wesleyan into its own end zone for a 2-0 lead.
The defensive tone continued through the first half. Southwestern held Texas Wesleyan scoreless and limited it to 110 total yards, including minus-3 rushing yards. The Builders finished with three sacks, two interceptions and two safeties.
The decisive offensive play came on the opening possession of the second half. Kennedi Hayes connected with Vivianna Solis for a 66-yard touchdown pass with 11:42 remaining in the third quarter, then added the conversion pass to extend the lead to 8-0.
Solis led Southwestern with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Hayes completed 15 of 24 passes for 183 yards and a score, adding 12 rushing yards.
Southwestern sealed the shutout in the final minute when Aiyana Sims and Andrea Moon combined for a sack in the end zone with 1:00 remaining, recording the Builders' second safety of the game and pushing the lead to 11-0.
Kennedy Wesley anchored the defense with five tackles, two sacks and an interception. Mary Jones added an interception, while Sims recorded a safety and two tackles. Moon contributed five tackles and a sack as Southwestern held Texas Wesleyan to 1-for-7 on third downs.
Southwestern forced four turnovers and came up with key stops throughout to preserve the shutout.
Southwestern returns to action Saturday against Concordia University in Fort Worth, Texas, at Karen Cramer Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
