GOODWELL, Okla. – The Southwest Lady Mustangs opened the 2026-27 season with a pair of road contests this weekend, falling to Science & Arts, 82-47, on Friday before dropping an 81-49 decision to host Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday.
Despite the results, the Lady Mustangs showed flashes of offensive potential and received strong performances from several newcomers throughout the opening weekend.
Friday: Science & Arts 82, Southwest 47
Southwest battled early and trailed just 12-9 after the opening quarter, getting a pair of first-quarter three-pointers from Jerze Lawson to keep pace with the Drovers.
Science & Arts used a strong second quarter to create separation, outscoring the Lady Mustangs 25-9 before taking a 37-18 lead into halftime. The Drovers continued their momentum in the second half behind a dominant rebounding effort and efficient inside scoring.
The Lady Mustangs found their offensive rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 19 points and shooting 50 percent from the floor during the period. Bri Sanchez sparked the run with three three-pointers in the quarter, while Ania Morgan also connected from beyond the arc.
Sanchez led Southwest with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Lawson added 11 points, while Ailey Kerbo chipped in nine points and a team-high eight rebounds. Jamiah Clay contributed seven rebounds and a block defensively.
Science & Arts was led by Silvia Otokhagua with 15 points, while Jaki Rollins added 18 and Jordyn Rollins posted 11 points and 15 rebounds. The Drovers held advantages in rebounds (62-38) and points in the paint (28-8).
Saturday: Oklahoma Panhandle State 81, Southwest 49
Facing host Oklahoma Panhandle State less than 24 hours later, Southwest showed resilience throughout the contest but could not overcome a strong shooting effort from the Aggies.
OPSU opened the game with three early three-pointers from Paige Atwater and built a 21-11 lead after the first quarter. Southwest stayed within striking distance through portions of the second and third quarters, trailing 36-21 at halftime and 58-40 entering the fourth.
The Lady Mustangs' best stretch came in the third quarter when they scored 19 points. Saleen Longoria and Ailey Kerbo each connected from long range during the run, while Jerze Lawson added a basket to help Southwest keep pace.
Jamiah Clay led Southwest with 14 points, six rebounds and seven steals while going 6-for-8 at the free-throw line. Lawson finished with nine points, Longoria added eight, and Kerbo contributed eight points and five rebounds. The Lady Mustangs forced 24 OPSU turnovers and recorded 17 steals as a team.
Atwater paced the Aggies with 18 points on six made three-pointers, while Heidi Rodriguez scored 15 points and Tryssa Dowd added 13. OPSU shot 42.6 percent from the field and outrebounded Southwest 50-31.
Up Next
The Lady Mustangs will look to build on the experience gained during opening weekend as they continue nonconference play Monday, searching for their first victory of the 2026-27 season.
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