Lady Warriors battle back to defeat Coyotes

STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College narrowly defeated Kansas Wesleyan University, 62-57, securing the win with a strong fourth-quarter performance in the Gleason Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Sterling capitalized on turnovers, converting 19 points off Kansas Wesleyan's 22 turnovers.

The Lady Warriors opened the first quarter with strong offensive play, quickly finding success in the paint and making critical defensive stops. The team's fast-break opportunities were capitalized on by Aja Spencer's 3-pointer at 7:02, helping Sterling establish early momentum. McKenna Vogl contributed effectively with a layup, and Karlee Jacobs added a crucial 3-pointer to extend the lead.

Sterling maintained pressure, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. In the final minute, Rori Miles made a free throw after a foul to increase Sterling's lead, and Bailey Young closed the quarter with a layup, putting Sterling ahead 18–15 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Warriors began the second quarter with Young's old fashioned three-point play, extending the lead briefly. However, the Coyotes quickly responded, and the lead exchanged hands multiple times. Sterling's defense held strong in the paint, matching their opponents with eight points in that area, but turnovers hindered their progress.

As the quarter progressed, the Coyotes capitalized on turnovers, including a key 3-pointer by Adriana DiPrima at 4:39, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Despite efforts from Kali Briar and Young, Sterling trailed 32-29 at the end of the half.

The Lady Warriors initiated a strong defensive stance in the third quarter, with Jacobs and Miles each securing a steal, disrupting Kansas Wesleyan's momentum. Vogl contributed significantly with a quick layup and a jumper, helping Sterling maintain competitive pressure. Despite missing several three-point attempts, Sterling capitalized on second-chance points, accumulating seven points in this category, which proved crucial in keeping the score close.

Sterling tied the game at 40 with 3:05 in the remaining in the third following Erika Felker's rebound put back and subsequent free throw. However, Kansas Wesleyan responded with timely three-pointers, maintaining a slight edge. In the closing moments, Sterling's persistent efforts were highlighted by Vogl's free throws, narrowing the deficit to two. The quarter concluded with Kansas Wesleyan leading by a narrow margin of 45–43.

The Lady Warriors began the fourth quarter with a tight exchange of leads against the Coyotes. Kansas Wesleyan initially gained an advantage with two early three-pointers, but Sterling countered with a scoring surge, featuring a key three-pointer by Jacobs at 7:23, narrowing the gap to 51–46. Jacobs then got a steal and followed with a fast-break layup, bringing the score to 51–48 and maintaining the pressure on their opponents.

Midway through the quarter, Sterling continued their momentum as Miles assisted Jacobs for another layup, giving Sterling a 54–53 lead. The Warriors' defense held strong, limiting the Coyotes to only 12 points in the quarter. With a crucial three-pointer by Kali Briar at 1:37, Sterling extended their lead to 59–54. The team capitalized on free throws in the final minute, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 62–57.

Jacobs scored 19 points and recorded seven steals. Vogl added a double-double with 14 points while securing 12 rebounds and collecting four steals. Young finished with 12 rebounds, contributing seven points and one steal. Briar posted 11 points and handed out four assists.

The Lady Warriors (7-2, 4-0) will be back in action against Oklahoma Wesleyan University (3-5, 0-4) on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Bartlesville, Okla. at 1 p.m.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.