OTTAWA, Kan. — Sterling College swept the Ottawa University Braves 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Wilson Field House. Sterling’s balanced attack featured 44 kills, while their defense recorded 68 digs to keep the Braves at bay. Sterling also capitalized on six service aces to maintain pressure throughout the match. The Braves struggled with a .137 hitting percentage and were unable to overcome the consistent play of Sterling.
Sterling opened the first set with a strong start, capitalizing on an early attack error by Ottawa’s Samantha Stahl to take the initial point. Sterling maintained momentum through the set, with Brooklyn Kuster contributing back-to-back service aces to build a 7-3 lead. Aliya McClanahan added key kills, supported by Keala Wilson‘s assists, allowing Sterling to establish control.
As the set progressed, the Braves responded with a series of kills, narrowing the gap to 17-17. The seesaw battle continued with both teams exchanging points until Sterling regained the upper hand at 21-20, thanks to a service ace by Kaleigh Guhr. A late push from the Braves saw them take a brief lead, but Sterling’s Chloe Schmidt and McClanahan combined for pivotal plays, including a decisive block by Maddie Lundeen and McClanahan to close the set.
Sterling secured the first set with a 25-23 victory, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Sterling initiated a strong second set with a kill from Schmidt, assisted by Wilson, setting the tone early. The Braves briefly took the lead, but Sterling responded with a steady series of plays, including a block by McClanahan and a kill by Wilson, to level the score at 5-5. Sterling then pulled ahead with a mid-set surge, highlighted by Wilson’s contributions both in attack and defense, putting them in front 14-12.
After a Braves timeout, Sterling maintained momentum with a series of successful plays, extending their lead. McClanahan and Kodie Herd each contributed key kills, and Kuster delivered a service ace. Sterling closed the set decisively, with a final service ace by Wilson, securing a 25-18 victory.
Sterling started the third set with back-to-back kills by Kaira Rodriguez, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead. Despite some service errors, Sterling maintained pressure, aided by key kills from Lundeen and Herd, keeping the score competitive as the Braves attempted to pull away.
Midway through the set, Sterling faced a deficit but responded with a series of successful plays. A timely kill by Abi Howard and a crucial block error on the Braves helped Sterling close the gap to 13-13. The Braves regained a slight edge, but Sterling’s persistence, highlighted by consecutive kills from Herd and a critical block by Schmidt and Herd, allowed them to tie the score at 23-23.
Sterling capitalized on this momentum, with Herd delivering decisive kills to push Sterling ahead. The set concluded with a block on the Braves’ attack, securing a 25-23 victory for Sterling and closing the match on a high note.
McClanahan led the way for Sterling with a total of nine kills and six blocks, contributing significantly to her 12.5 points. Herd posted 13 kills on 26 attempts, hitting a team-high .462 attack percentage. Wilson added five kills and recorded 16 digs, while also setting up her teammates with 20 assists. Grace Battershell was a defensive standout, collecting 13 digs and assisting on 12 plays.
With the win, Sterling moves to 16-9 overall, 5-6 in conference play. Up next, the Lady Warriors will take on the Bethany College Swedes (5-16, 2-9) in Sterling, Kan. on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
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.
