MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College swept Sterling College 25-9, 25-12, 25-16 on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Holman Fieldhouse in a postseason matchup during the quarterfinal round of the KCAC Tournament. The No. 8 seed, Sterling faced off against the top-seeded McPherson with determination but struggled offensively with 19 kills and a hitting percentage of .000, while the Bulldogs tallied 40 kills and a .233 hitting percentage. Sterling’s defense contributed 12 total blocks, but it was not enough to overcome McPherson’s effective serve, which produced nine aces.
Sterling opened the first set with a kill by Kodie Herd, setting a positive tone. However, McPherson quickly established momentum with a series of service aces by Brooke McHale, building a 5-1 lead. Despite a kill by Kaleigh Guhr and a subsequent point by Maddie Lundeen, Sterling struggled to close the gap as McPherson continued their strong offensive play.
As the set progressed, McPherson extended their lead with consistent attacks and capitalized on several errors from Sterling. Sterling called timeouts in attempts to regroup, but the Bulldogs maintained control. Sterling’s Chloe Schmidt managed a late kill, but McPherson secured the set 25-9.
Sterling College began the second set with early momentum, capitalizing on errors from McPherson to take a 2-0 lead. Guhr’s effective serving and a block by Abigail Howard contributed to the advantage. However, McPherson quickly responded, shifting momentum with a series of points and service aces, bringing the score to 5-3 in their favor.
As the set progressed, McPherson extended their lead, benefiting from several attack errors by Sterling. Despite a timeout and adjustments, Sterling struggled to regain footing, as McPherson capitalized on the errors to further widen the gap to 18-10. Sterling’s attempts to close the deficit included a block by Schmidt, but McPherson maintained control closing the set 25-12.
Entering the third set, Sterling looked to shift momentum. Keala Wilson and Aliya McClanahan combined for crucial blocks, briefly tying the score at 2-2. Sterling’s defensive effort was highlighted again when Wilson secured another block, contributing to a 4-3 lead. However, McPherson responded with a series of successful plays, taking control and building a 12-6 lead, prompting a timeout.
After the timeout, Sterling attempted to close the gap, with Lundeen and Wilson securing key points. Despite their efforts, McPherson maintained their lead, extending it to 19-9. Sterling’s defense continued to battle, with McClanahan and Wilson adding blocks to keep the score within reach.
In the closing stages, Sterling managed a late effort with Howard and Herd adding points. However, McPherson’s Brooke McHale proved decisive, contributing kills that sealed the set for McPherson 25-16.
Wilson contributed significantly with eight assists and five total blocks, highlighting her defensive impact. McClanahan also excelled at the net, matching Wilson’s five total blocks, adding one assist and three kills. Herd led the team offensively, registering six kills while Grace Battershell supported the defensive effort, collecting eight digs and providing six assists.
The Lady Warriors will look forward to hosting the NCCAA Regional Tournament on Thursday, Nov. 20. Sterling is expected to take on Mission University () at 4 p.m. and the winner of that match up will most likely play Mid-America Christian University () in the championship game. The winner of the regional tournament will move on to the NCCAA DI Volleyball National Championship hosted in Point Lookout, Mo. at the College of the Ozarks.
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.
