The Southwestern Community College women's basketball team continued its conference slate over winter break, facing a demanding stretch that included two perennial league contenders and a road test to open the new year. Competing with a young roster made up entirely of first-year student-athletes, the Spartans used the break to gain valuable experience against physical, veteran opponents.
Southwestern closed the December portion of its schedule on Dec. 13, hosting Iowa Central Community College at Spartan Gymnasium. The Tritons built an early lead and went on to secure a 64–33 conference win. Fantine Adgnot led the Spartans with eight points, while Roslynn Huston added seven points and two blocks in the post. Jaide McPhee pulled down five rebounds, helping anchor the Spartans defensively against a taller Iowa Central lineup. Despite shooting challenges, Southwestern continued to compete on the glass and showed stretches of disciplined half-court defense.
Four days later, the Spartans traveled to Cedar Rapids to face nationally recognized Kirkwood Community College on Dec. 17. Kirkwood's depth and pace proved difficult as Southwestern fell 105–26. McPhee paced the Spartans with eight points, while LaiLah Austin and Malaina Rodriguez each added six off the bench. Adgnot contributed four assists and five rebounds, and the Spartans gained valuable minutes against one of the conference's most experienced programs.
Southwestern opened the new year on Jan. 3 at Marshalltown Community College. After a challenging first quarter, the Spartans settled in and matched Marshalltown much better over the final three periods before falling 74–49. Maddie Richter delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 24 points while knocking down six three-pointers on eight attempts. Austin led the team on the boards with eight rebounds, and Huston added nine points as Southwestern showed improved offensive rhythm and ball movement in the second half.
As conference play continues, the Spartans will look to build on individual growth and increased cohesion shown during the winter break stretch. Southwestern remains in the heart of its league schedule, with several repeat conference matchups ahead as the team continues its development under head coach Kori Zarzutzki.