BETHANY, Okla. — The Southwestern College women's soccer team opened its 2026 season Monday with a 4-1 loss to Southwestern Christian University.

Southwestern Christian struck just 39 seconds into the match to take an early 1-0 advantage, but the Moundbuilders responded before halftime. Lauren Howard found the back of the net in the 32nd minute off an assist from Kaila Correa, scoring Southwestern's first goal of the season and sending the match into halftime tied at 1-1.

The Eagles regained the lead early in the second half, scoring in the 51st minute before adding another goal less than two minutes later. Southwestern Christian extended its advantage to 4-1 in the 66th minute to close out the scoring.

Southwestern finished the match with five shots, putting three on goal. Howard led the Moundbuilders with two shots and the team's lone goal, while Millie Hazzard and Maggie Bielefeld each recorded a shot on goal. Goalkeeper Liliana Hernandez played all 90 minutes and recorded five saves.

The Moundbuilders move to 0-1 on the season following the season-opening road contest. Southwestern returns home Thursday, Aug. 27, to take on Northwestern College (Iowa) at 5 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.