Lady Warriors come up short against Valor

Evangel defeated Sterling with a 4-0 victory on Friday, Oct. 17. Despite Sterling's defensive efforts, including 12 saves by their goalkeeper, Evangel's offense proved strong, registering 16 shots on goal. The visitors scored two goals in each half, maintaining pressure throughout the match.

The Valor wasted no time and quickly gained momentum. Despite an early save by Sterling's goalkeeper Bella Duckworth, Evangel's Amaura Austell scored in the 7th minute, assisted by Makayla Myers. Evangel extended their lead when McKenzie Calhoun found the back of the net in the 10th minute, making it 2-0.

Sterling's Jessica Gautreau attempted to shift the momentum with a shot in the 11th minute, which went wide, and another effort in the 17th minute that was saved by Evangel's goalkeeper Rylee Clapp. Duckworth remained active, making several crucial saves, including one against Charlae Cowan in the 38th minute. The first half concluded with Sterling trailing 2-0.

The second half began with Sterling's defensive line tested early, as Duckworth made crucial saves against shots from Evangel's Calhoun and Austell. Sterling's offense responded with Francesca Vilca and Cheyenne Siler attempting to find the net, though both shots went high.

Evangel managed to break through with a goal by Myers in the 55th minute, assisted by Clapp, extending their lead. They added another goal in the 63rd minute when Calhoun scored, assisted by Myers again, bringing Evangel's advantage to four. Sterling's defense, led by Duckworth, continued to face pressure but held steady with multiple saves.

As the half progressed, Sterling sought opportunities to cut the deficit, with Vilca and Rebecca Keeler attempting shots that ultimately missed the target. The half concluded with Evangel maintaining their four-goal lead, ending the match with a 4-0 final score against Sterling.

Duckworth recorded 12 saves, facing 16 shots, and played all 90 minutes in the net. Gautreau registered three shots, with one on target. Siler contributed two shots, including one on goal. Vilca also added three shots.

Sterling holds a record of 2-12-1 overall and 0-9-1 in conference play and is set to take on Tabor College (9-3-2, 5-2-2) in Sterling on Wednesday, Oct. 22 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.