STERLING, Kan. — Sterling defeated Doane University, 68-56, at the Gleason Center on Saturday by maintaining a 17-point lead at one point and capitalizing on 24 points off turnovers.
Sterling began the first quarter by capitalizing on turnovers, converting them into 11 points. The team demonstrated defensive strength with four steals, effectively neutralizing the Tigers’ offensive efforts. Kali Briar led the scoring with two successful free throws and added a crucial 3-pointer. Karlee Jacobs contributed significantly with a fast-break layup and a 3-pointer, extending Sterling’s lead. The home team maintained control throughout the quarter, closing with an 18–5 advantage over the Tigers.
Doane initiated a shift in momentum early in the second quarter, capitalizing on defensive rebounds and converting on several field goals to narrow the gap. Sterling struggled offensively, missing multiple shots but managed to maintain a slight lead through free throws and a key layup by Erika Felker at 5:50. As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s defense was tested, but a crucial tip-in by Bailey Young with 23 seconds left helped keep them ahead. Despite challenges, Sterling concluded the second quarter with a 25–22 lead, holding off Doane’s late scoring surge to end the half with a narrow margin.
Sterling opened the third quarter by solidifying their presence on the defensive end, with McKenna Vogl recording two blocks. Rori Miles contributed with effective rebounding and free throws, extending their lead to 27-22 early in the quarter. Midway through the third, Sterling maintained momentum with efficient shooting, highlighted by Aja Spencer‘s jumper that pushed the lead further. Briar and Jacobs added to the offensive effort, with Jacobs securing a steal and assisting on a key shot. Sterling closed the quarter strongly with a series of scoring plays, including a fast-break layup by Briar and a closing layup and free throw by Vogl. The quarter concluded with Sterling ahead 48-37, maintaining a steady advantage over the Tigers.
Sterling began the fourth quarter with a defensive highlight, as Jacobs executed a steal leading to a Vogl layup, extending the lead. Young capitalized on free throws, adding to the margin, while Briar contributed with a layup to maintain momentum. Sterling’s defense remained strong, as they gathered multiple defensive rebounds, hindering Doane’s scoring opportunities. The Tigers attempted to close the gap with a series of fast-break layups, but Sterling responded with consistent offensive execution. Gracie Oard and Spencer each converted layups, bolstered by assists from Felker and Young. Despite several turnovers, Sterling’s defensive rebounding, led by Vogl and Briar, helped sustain their advantage. In the final minutes, Sterling cemented their lead with a fast-break layup by Jacobs, assisted by Miles. Briar and Jacobs closed the quarter with additional layups, ensuring Sterling outscored Doane 20–19 in the final quarter, securing a victorious outcome. The game concluded with Sterling ahead at 68–56.
Briar led the offense with 21 points while also grabbing seven defensive rebounds. Jacobs led the defense with five steals and a blocked shot while also scoring 13 points nad leading the team with three assists. Vogl came up with 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots while Bailey Young grabbed 13 rebounds and had nine points. Spencer was a big presence off the bench with eight rebounds and seven points.
Up next the Lady Warriors (6-2, 3-0) will take on Kansas Wesleyan University (5-2, 3-0) in Sterling, Kan. on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6 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.
