GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - The Southwestern University women's basketball team made history this weekend, traveling to Mount Berry, Georgia to compete in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Conference Tournament — marking the program's first conference tournament appearance since 2016. The Pirates battled throughout all four quarters but ultimately fell to Millsaps College, 77-69, in a competitive opening-round matchup.

Southwestern (13-13, 4-10 SAA) showed resilience against the higher-seeded Majors (19-7, 9-5 SAA), keeping the contest tight with eight ties and eight lead changes throughout the game.

The Pirates opened the game with strong defensive energy, shooting 42.9 percent from the field in the first quarter, but Millsaps held a narrow 16-13 edge after one. Southwestern found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter, knocking down three three-pointers and shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc while going 8-for-10 at the free-throw line. The Pirates outscored Millsaps 23-18 in the period to take a 36-34 halftime lead.

Both teams traded baskets in an evenly matched third quarter, each scoring 22 points as Southwestern shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Entering the final frame tied in momentum, Millsaps used a late surge in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pirates 21-11, to secure the 77-69 victory.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• Freshman guard Neela Castillo led Southwestern offensively with 18 points, adding five rebounds and a steal 

• Adrianna McCoy followed closely with 17 points and four rebounds, while Emma Flores contributed 10 points and four assists in a full 40-minute effort.

• Kylee Symons added nine points, and Trinity Benitez delivered a dominant performance on the glass, pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds to go along with eight points and four assists.

GAME NOTES

• Layla Tovar and Lizzy Kellam provided valuable minutes off the bench, combining for seven points.

• The Pirates totaled 34 points in the paint, added 10 fast-break points, and capitalized for 12 points off turnovers while also scoring 10 second-chance points.

• As a team, Southwestern shot 40.4 percent from the field and converted 76.9 percent from the free-throw line.

Despite the result, the Pirates' return to postseason play marks a significant milestone for the program and highlights the growth and competitiveness of Southwestern women's basketball throughout the season.

With the tournament appearance, Southwestern closes the 2025–26 campaign at 13-13 overall, signaling a strong step forward as the Pirates continue building momentum for the future.