Lady Warrior come up short against Valor

Evangel University defeated Sterling College 3-1 on Friday, Oct. 17 in Springfield, Mo. Sterling captured the second set 25-19, but Evangel took the first, third and fourth sets 25-16, 25-14, and 25-20, respectively. Sterling's performance was highlighted by six service aces, matching the Valor's five. Despite the loss, Sterling's blocking was notable with 18 block assists contributing to a total of 9.0 team blocks. Evangel's efficient attack percentage of .220 and 50 kills were instrumental in securing the victory.

Sterling began the match on the road with an early deficit; however, they gained momentum through a kill by Chloe Schmidt assisted by Keala Wilson, closing the gap to 3-1.

Sterling capitalized on a service error by the Valor and a subsequent service ace by Grace Battershell to level the score at 4-4. The teams exchanged points as Sterling's consistent attack, highlighted by a kill from Aliya McClanahan, kept the score tight at 5-5.

Midway through the set, Evangel edged ahead, but Sterling responded with key plays, including a block by Maddie Lundeen and McClanahan, reducing the deficit to 15-13. However, Evangel managed to pull away late, ending the set with a 25-16 score.

Sterling began the second set by overcoming an initial deficit, with Schmidt registering a key kill to level the score at 2-2. A service ace by Kaleigh Guhr further contributed to Sterling's momentum, maintaining a tight contest as the score reached 4-4.

Sterling gained an edge midway through the set with a series of points, including another service ace from Guhr and a successful block by Abigail "Abi" Howard and Schmidt. This effort helped Sterling pull ahead to 15-12, prompting Evangel to call a timeout.

Following the timeout, Sterling capitalized on errors from Evangel and continued to build their lead. The set concluded with a kill by Schmidt, sealing a 25-19 victory for Sterling, who maintained consistent pressure throughout the set.

Sterling opened the third set with a kill by Schmidt, assisted by Wilson, marking the first point. Despite a service error that allowed Evangel to tie, Sterling regained momentum with a block by Schmidt and Howard, followed by an attack error from Evangel to lead 3-1. McClanahan's kill, assisted by Battershell, extended Sterling's lead to 5-2. However, as the set progressed, Evangel capitalized on a series of attack errors and service aces, closing the gap and eventually overtaking Sterling.

Midway through the set, Sterling's offense, highlighted by kills from McClanahan and Wilson, kept the score competitive. Yet, Evangel's consistent attack, led by Vivianna Sanchez, created difficulties for Sterling. Evangel pieced together a series of points, including a service ace, to shift the momentum decisively in their favor.

In the final stretch, Evangel maintained control, despite a late kill from Wilson. Sterling struggled to close the gap as Evangel capitalized on errors and continued their scoring run, concluding the set with a 25-14 victory.

Sterling entered the fourth set with momentum following a balanced start, highlighted by Lundeen's kill assisted by Guhr. Sterling maintained composure with effective plays, including Schmidt's kill from Wilson, keeping the score tight at 4-4. Despite a service error setback, Sterling equalized the score at 7-7 through Johnson's attack error capitalized by KcAnna Keiswetter's serve.

Midway through the set, Sterling showcased resilience with key kills from McClanahan and Lundeen, keeping the score even at 13-13. A service ace by Battershell briefly gave Sterling an edge at 15-14. However, Evangel responded, capitalizing on attack errors to regain a slim lead.

In the closing moments, Sterling managed to stay within striking distance with Howard and Rodriguez earning critical kills. Nonetheless, Evangel's defense, including blocks by Sanchez and Cienna Turner, proved decisive. The set concluded with Evangel claiming a 25-20 set victory.

McClanahan led the defensive effort with six total blocks and contributed eight kills. Schmidt recorded nine kills and added three block assists. Wilson delivered a notable performance with seven kills and 15 assists, alongside eight digs. Battershell provided key support with 17 assists and two service aces.

After the loss, the Lady Warriors move to 13-8 overall, 3-5 in conference. Sterling will face Tabor (7-13, 3-4) on Wednesday, Oct. 22 in Hillsboro, Kan. at 8 p.m.

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