Lady Warriors take down Eagles in quarterfinals of NCCAA Championship

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — No. 3 seeded Sterling secured a decisive 78-62 victory over the No. 6 seed, Southwestern Christian at Keeter Gym on Wednesday, March 18 in the quarterfinal round of the NCCAA National Championship. The Lady Warriors capitalized on a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter. Sterling's defense held the Eagles to a 30.8 field goal percentage, complementing its own shooting accuracy of 44.6 percent.

Sterling began the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing seven turnovers from the Eagles. McKenna Vogl's layup at 7:58 tied the game early, setting up a competitive first half of the quarter.

Kali Briar contributed significantly to Sterling's offense, scoring a layup and a three-pointer, the latter extending Sterling's lead to 12-7 with just over a minute remaining. Sterling maintained its advantage by closing the quarter with effective rebounding and defense. At the end of the first quarter, Sterling led 12-7.

The Lady Warriors started the second quarter by extending its lead with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Bailey Young's consistent scoring. Young contributed with a series of jumpers and a three-pointer, helping Sterling maintain control. Defensively, the Lady Warriors effectively limited the Eagles' second-chance points and forced key turnovers.

Sterling continued to build momentum with additional contributions from Nevaeh Johnson and Karlee Jacobs. Jacobs capitalized on free throw opportunities following a key steal, further widening the gap. The Lady Warriors maintained a solid defensive presence, matching the Eagles' field goals while committing fewer fouls. The quarter concluded with Sterling leading 32-24, reflecting their effective scoring and defensive efforts.

Sterling extended its lead early in the third quarter with a strong offensive showing, highlighted by Jacobs' 3-pointer at 6:49. The team maintained control through effective defensive rebounding, limiting the Eagles' second-chance opportunities.

Briar contributed significantly with a 3-pointer at 4:16, pushing Sterling's advantage further, while Vogl added crucial points in the paint, closing the quarter leading 61-46, setting a solid foundation for the final stretch.

The Lady Warriors maintained a strong position in the final quarter, opening with Briar's three-pointer assisted by Erika Felker to establish a larger lead. Felker's offensive contributions extended Sterling's advantage early on, including a layup that pushed the lead to 20 points at 9:07.

The Eagles attempted a comeback with free throws and a three-pointer, but Sterling countered effectively. Clara Arroyos and Vogl contributed in the paint to sustain the lead, while Vogl's defensive block at 5:58 further thwarted the visitor's scoring opportunities.

Sterling held firm in the closing minutes, with Briar adding free throws to secure the victory. The quarter concluded with Sterling leading 78–62, outscoring the Eagles by one in the fourth.

Karlee Jacobs scored 14 points and recorded seven rebounds, contributing two steals. Kali Briar led the team with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Bailey Young added 13 points and collected nine rebounds, while McKenna Vogl finished with 19 points and eight rebounds.

With the win, Sterling advances to the semifinal round of the NCCAA National Championship and will take on the No. 2 seed Bethel University on Thursday, March 19 with tip off scheduled for 7 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.