STERLING, Kan. — No. 9 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University swept Sterling College in straight sets, 25-20, 25-15, 25-13, on Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Gleason Center. Sterling struggled offensively with a hitting percentage of .103, recording 24 kills and 14 errors on 97 attempts. Oklahoma Wesleyan capitalized with a .330 hitting percentage, registering 48 kills and 15 errors on 100 attempts. Despite Sterling’s seven blocks, OKWU’s balanced attack and defense, including 54 digs, secured the victory.
The Lady Warriors began the first set with an early point from Aliya McClanahan, setting a competitive tone. Keala Wilson and Kaira Rodriguez contributed crucial kills to keep the score tight during the initial exchanges. Despite some errors, the team managed to stay close to Oklahoma Wesleyan, leveling the score multiple times, including a 16-16 tie after effective blocking by Rodriguez and Wilson.
As the set progressed, Oklahoma Wesleyan capitalized on a series of kills by Evelyn Rohrberg, extending their lead. Sterling responded with timely kills from Maddie Lundeen and McClanahan, but the Eagles maintained momentum. A timeout was called with Sterling trailing 21-18, yet Oklahoma Wesleyan closed the set with a 25-20 advantage, despite Sterling’s efforts in blocking and countering attacks.
The second set began with Oklahoma Wesleyan extending their lead as they capitalized on Sterling’s initial errors. A sequence of plays, including multiple kills by Rohrberg and Maria Andrea Santa Cruz Cossich, helped the Eagles build a significant margin. Sterling called a timeout after falling behind 7-1, attempting to regroup.
The Lady Warriors responded with contributions from Wilson and Chloe Schmidt, but Oklahoma Wesleyan maintained control. Despite late efforts from Kodie Herd and Schmidt to close the gap, OKWU’s consistent performance led them to a 25-15 set victory.
The third set commenced with Sterling making an early statement as Schmidt secured the first point off an assist from Wilson. Despite this initial momentum, Oklahoma Wesleyan quickly responded, setting off a series of exchanges that saw both teams tied at 4-4. However, a string of offensive plays by the Eagles, highlighted by Tijana Stojiljkovic’s multiple kills, shifted the momentum in their favor, leading to a significant scoring run.
The Lady Warriors attempted to counter with key plays from McClanahan and Wilson, but Oklahoma Wesleyan’s continued offensive pressure extended their lead. A late push from Sterling, featuring a block from Lundeen and McClanahan, narrowed the gap slightly. However, the set concluded with Oklahoma Wesleyan maintaining their advantage, closing the third set with a 25-13 victory over Sterling College.
Wilson led the team with eight kills and contributed significantly with 11 assists and seven digs. Chloe Schmidt posted five kills with a hitting percentage of .333, adding one block assist. Grace Battershell facilitated the offense with nine assists while also securing nine digs on defense. Kaleigh Guhr added one service ace to the team’s efforts over the course of the match.
Up next, the Lady Warriors will compete in the KCAC Quarterfinal. No. 8 seeded Sterling will travel to McPherson, Kan. to take on No. 1 seeded McPherson, currently ranked No. 8 in the NAIA, on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 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.
