The Southwestern College defeated Sterling College 6-1 on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Winfield, Kan. The Moundbuilders’ offense was dominant, registering 28 shots with 15 on goal. Sterling’s goalkeeper made nine saves but could not keep pace with the pressure. Despite Sterling’s lone goal, Southwestern scored three goals in each half to secure the victory.
The first half began with Cassidy Kelly in goal for Sterling, facing an early challenge as Southwestern’s Connor Inlow scored with the assistance of Jack Bagley-Etheridge in the 2nd minute. Sterling’s defense, anchored by Kelly, withstood multiple attempts, including saving shots from Bagley-Etheridge and Bernabe Lopez. Jonathan Torres attempted to respond for Sterling with a couple of shots, one wide and another blocked, but the team struggled to break through.
Southwestern extended their lead later in the half with two additional goals by Bagley-Etheridge, the first assisted by Inlow and the second by Lopez, leaving Sterling trailing 3-0. Despite further efforts from Jeanluis Modesto and defensive stops by Kelly, Sterling was unable to close the gap as the first half concluded with Southwestern leading 3-0.
The second half began with a significant shift when Sterling’s Kelly received a red card at 46:40, reducing Sterling to ten players. Shortly after, the Jinx capitalized on the advantage with a goal from Bagley-Etheridge, increasing their lead to 4-0.
Despite the setback, Sterling responded with Daniel Stone scoring in the 67th minute, assisted by Torres, reducing the deficit to 5-1. However, Southwestern extended their lead again with a goal from Christian Banda at 89′, and the half concluded with Sterling trailing 6-1.
Kelly recorded seven saves for Sterling, despite conceding four goals in her 46 minutes of play. Stone scored the team’s only goal, converting one of his two total shots into a score. Torres contributed with an assist, setting up Stone’s goal. Alejandro Mora, who played 43 minutes, added two saves during the second half of the match.
With the loss, Sterling moves to 2-5-1 overall and 0-4 in conference play. The Warriors will be back in action against Bethel College (1-7, 0-3) in North Newton, Kan. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
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.
