Minnesota West Community College 80, Southwestern 53
December 30, 2024 – Worthington, MN
Southwestern fell to Minnesota West Community College 80-53 in their first game following the holiday break. Despite a competitive first half, a difficult third quarter saw the Spartans outscored 24-7, ultimately deciding the contest.

Brooklyn Hadl led Southwestern with 17 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the floor and 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Gabby Dwanyen contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Bhella Lavulavu added 11 points. Southwestern was strong on the boards, recording 43 rebounds, but turnovers and limited second-half scoring proved costly.

"We played well early but struggled to maintain that momentum in the third quarter," said Head Coach Kori Zarzutzki. "Minnesota West capitalized on our mistakes, and we need to focus on limiting turnovers moving forward."

Rochester Community and Technical College 77, Southwestern 54
December 31, 2024 – Worthington, MN
In the second game of the back-to-back, Southwestern fell to Rochester Community and Technical College 77-54. The Spartans kept the game competitive through three quarters, trailing by just 10 heading into the final frame, but foul trouble and fatigue allowed RCTC to pull away late.

Brooklyn Hadl once again led the Spartans, recording a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Gabby Dwanyen and Bhella Lavulavu each chipped in 12 points, while Dalanie Auffert dominated the boards with 10 rebounds.

"I'm proud of how we competed with a smaller roster," said Zarzutzki. "RCTC is a strong program, and we held them below their season average for scoring. We were right there with them until late foul trouble caught up to us."

Iowa Lakes Community College 65, Southwestern 52
January 4, 2025 – Creston, IA
Southwestern returned home but fell to Iowa Lakes Community College 65-52. The Spartans started slow, trailing 36-23 at halftime. However, they matched Iowa Lakes point-for-point in the second half, showing resilience despite the early deficit.

Brooklyn Hadl led all scorers with 22 points, while Bhella Lavulavu added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Gabby Dwanyen rounded out the top performers with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Southwestern outrebounded Iowa Lakes 27-24 in the second half but struggled from three-point range, finishing 0-for-8.

"We had a fiery second half, but our slow start put us in a tough position," Zarzutzki noted. "Rebounding early hurt us, but the team fought hard to tie the second half. We're focusing on bringing that energy for all four quarters moving forward."