Sterling's historic run closes in semi-final match-up against Grace

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — Sterling's historic run in the NCCAA National Championship came to an end with a loss to the No. 2 seed Grace College in straight sets, 25-15, 25-17, 25-22, in the semi-final game on Friday, Dec. 5 at Keeter Gymnasium. Despite Sterling's 36 kills and 46 digs, the Lancers' six service aces and 16 block assists proved decisive in the match. Grace went on to win thier third straight NCCAA DI Women's Volleyball National Championship defeating Columbia International University in the championship game.

Sterling began the first set with a steady exchange of points against Grace. Notable contributions came from Aliya McClanahan and Kaira Rodriguez, each delivering key kills to keep the score tight in the early stages. Grace maintained slight leads, capitalizing on a series of attack errors by Sterling. As the set progressed, Sterling's Kodie Herd and Chloe Schmidt added crucial points, but service errors hindered momentum. Despite a late push, including a block by Rodriguez and Schmidt, Sterling ended the set trailing. The set closed with Sterling behind 25-15.

Grace opened the second set with strong defensive plays, capitalizing on multiple attack errors from Sterling to establish an early 6-0 lead. Sterling responded with significant contributions from Schmidt and McClanahan, managing to claw back some points with timely kills. However, the Lancers maintained their advantage, benefiting from effective serves and consistent attacks, extending their lead to 19-12 despite Sterling's efforts to narrow the gap. In the later stages, Sterling found brief success with Herd and more impactful plays from McClanahan, but Grace's offense proved too steady. Despite a late service error from Grace and another attack error from Leah Henderson, the Lancers closed the set with a 25-17 victory, maintaining their momentum throughout.

The third set commenced with Sterling, led by McClanahan, taking the first point with a kill assisted by Keala Wilson. This early momentum was briefly disrupted by a service error, allowing Grace to level the score. McClanahan continued to be a crucial player, contributing multiple kills to keep Sterling competitive. Grace capitalized on a series of errors from Sterling, extending their lead to 12-5. A timeout called by Sterling did little to halt Grace's scoring streak, as they pushed the lead to 18-10. Sterling responded with a strong sequence, closing the gap to 16-19, fueled by effective blocks and key kills from players like Abigail "Abi" Howard and Schmidt. Despite the late surge from Sterling, Grace maintained their advantage and secured the set with a 25-22 win. The frame concluded with a service error from Sterling, cementing Grace's victory in the set.

McClanahan led Sterling with 15 kills and a .464 hitting percentage, contributing a total of 15.5 points. Grace Battershell provided solid support with 16 assists and 10 digs. Schmidt added seven kills and two blocks, finishing with eight points, while Wilson tallied 14 assists and 12 digs in the match.

This concludes the season for the Lady Warriors who finished the season with a record of 19-15, going 5-8 in KCAC conference play and making the furthest run in the NCCAA tournament in program history.

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