LINDSBORG, Kan. — Sterling College (4-2, 2-0) defeated Bethany College (2-4, 0-2), 68-58, at Hahn Gymnasium in Wednesday, Nov. 19, maintaining a lead throughout and recording eight blocks.
Sterling opened the game effectively, establishing their presence with a defensive play by Rori Miles, who scored the initial points off a steal at 9:39. McKenna Vogl contributed significantly with multiple offensive rebounds and points in the paint, helping Sterling maintain their momentum. Karlee Jacobs and Kali Briar added key baskets, with Briar’s successful 3-pointer extending Sterling’s lead to 11–6.
Sterling’s defense proved formidable, allowing only 10 points while forcing four turnovers in the first quarter. Gracie Oard‘s free throws at 2:01 expanded the lead once more, and the team concluded the quarter with a layup by Miles with just six seconds left. The first quarter concluded with Sterling leading 17-10.
The Lady Warriors opened the second quarter with a strong drive, extending their lead to 11 points at 9:34, thanks to a layup by Jacobs assisted by Vogl. Despite turnovers and fouls, Sterling maintained control through key defensive plays, including five blocks and two steals.
The Swedes attempted a comeback with a three-pointer and several layups, trimming the lead. However, Vogl solidified the visitor’s position by scoring a layup and converting a free throw in the final seconds, ending the quarter with a 31–24 lead.
Sterling opened the third quarter by extending their lead through effective scoring in the paint, with Jacobs and Briar contributing key points. A defensive stand was highlighted by a steal from Bailey Young, which maintained the momentum in Sterling’s favor. By the midpoint, Sterling held a 38–30 advantage.
Sterling continued to apply pressure, with Vogl and Oard each hitting critical shots, including a 3-pointer from Oard that pushed the lead to 13 points at 3:01. Bethany College responded with a 3-pointer of their own, but Sterling’s lead remained intact.
The quarter concluded with Sterling maintaining their edge, leading 49–40 at the end of the third quarter.
Sterling maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter, opening with a key 3-pointer by Oard at 7:47, which extended their advantage to double digits. Miles contributed with a jumper at 6:50, and Vogl was active in the paint, scoring consecutive layups to keep the margin comfortable.
The Swedes attempted to close the gap, highlighted by Hannah Moss’s 3-pointer at 3:52, but Sterling’s defense held firm. Jacobs added a layup at 2:04 to solidify the lead. Sterling closed out the quarter strong, with Briar sinking two free throws in the final seconds to secure the victory, 68-58.
Vogl led the charge with 24 points and ten rebounds, while also blocking six shots. Jacobs contributed offensively with 13 points and recorded two steals. Oard added 11 points off the bench, hitting three 3-pointers. Miles supported the defense by collecting six rebounds and two steals.
With the win, the Lady Warriors move to 4-2 overall, 2-0 in conference and are set to host Avila University (3-3, 1-1) on Saturday, Nov. 22 in the Gleason Center at 1 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.
