GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - The Southwestern University women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 season in impressive fashion on Saturday afternoon, rolling past former SCAC rival Austin College with a commanding 65–41 victory inside the Robertson Center.

The Pirates controlled the tempo from the opening tip, holding Austin College to just 41 points while forcing 19 turnovers and winning the battle on the boards 36–28. Southwestern's defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack proved too much as the team built a steady lead and never looked back. The win gives the Pirates a strong start to their 2025–26 campaign as they look to build momentum heading into the next stretch of non-conference play.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• Freshman Neela Castillo made a standout collegiate debut, posting a double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes.

• Kylee Symons provided an efficient scoring effort, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, while also collecting seven rebounds. 

• Adrianna McCoy added eight points and two assists, and Emma Flores contributed seven points and four rebounds. 

GAME NOTES

• Trinity Benitez filled the stat sheet with four points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Lizzy Kellam and Lauren Stevens added valuable bench production with a combined nine points.

• As a team, Southwestern shot 41.5% (22-53) from the field and 30.8% (8-26) from three-point range, while holding Austin College to 33.3% shooting overall.The Pirates also recorded nine steals and six blocks, showcasing depth and defensive dominance. 

• The Pirates generated offense in multiple ways, totaling 20 points in the paint, 13 points off turnovers, six second-chance points, 13 bench points, and three fast-break points.

UP NEXT 

• Southwestern continues its non-conference schedule next week as the Pirates travel to Clarksville, Arkansas, to take on the University of the Ozarks, looking to keep their early-season success rolling.