WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern (6-5) (5-5) nearly scripted a senior-night comeback Saturday evening, but Midland (Neb.) (9-5) (8-2) answered with a late touchdown and held on for a 14-13 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference victory at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
The Builders turned in several standout performances in a one-point loss, led by Vivianna Solis, who starred on both sides of the ball. The senior caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, added 12 rushing yards on one carry and completed all three of her pass attempts for 31 yards.
Kennedi Hayes finished 25 of 40 passing for 196 yards and two touchdowns, while Mary Jones hauled in a team-high nine receptions for 64 yards and a score. Devina Lytle added five catches for 33 yards, and Andrea Moon had four receptions for 44 yards while also recording two sacks for 16 yards on defense.
Southwestern controlled the ball for 27:58 and outgained Midland 255-221, but Midland capitalized on a pair of late swings to escape with the win.
After a scoreless first quarter, Midland broke through first on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Lotta Wulff to Emily Ferron with 8:44 left in the second quarter.
The Builders answered just before halftime with an eight-play, 47-yard drive. Hayes found Jones for a 2-yard touchdown with one second remaining in the half, trimming the deficit to 7-6 after the two-point try came up short.
Southwestern's defense kept the game within reach throughout the second half. Kennedy Wesley posted a game-high 10 tackles, while Solis and Ferron each had eight stops. Aiyanna Sims and Lilibeth Rico each came away with interceptions. Moon also provided a big spark in the pass rush with both of Southwestern's sacks.
The Builders finally took the lead in the fourth quarter when Hayes capped a 10-play, 58-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Solis. Hayes added the extra point to put Southwestern in front 13-7 with 4:16 remaining.
Midland responded immediately, however, as Wulff connected with Allaya Livingston for a 66-yard touchdown on the Warriors' next play from scrimmage. Emma Rodriguez's extra point proved to be the difference and gave Midland a 14-13 lead.
Southwestern still had one more chance and quickly moved into Midland territory. A 44-yard connection from Hayes to Solis highlighted the drive, but Midland came up with a late interception at the 2-yard line to seal the outcome.
Despite the loss, Southwestern had strong contributions across the roster on senior night. Solis, Jones, Moon and fellow players were central to the Builders' most important moments, helping keep Southwestern in position until the final minutes.
Southwestern will return to action Friday, April 17, against Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth, Texas, at Karen Cramer Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
