STERLING, Kan. – Sterling College fell to (RV) Friends University, 84-72, on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The game was marked by the Falcons’ 11 three-pointers and a decisive 30-point third quarter. Despite forcing 28 turnovers, Sterling could not overcome the deficit.
The game commenced with Sterling applying defensive pressure, resulting in six steals and three blocks. Karlee Jacobs and Kali Briar each contributed to turnovers by the Falcons, helping Sterling capitalize on fast-break opportunities. Bailey Young‘s jumper at 8:37 put Sterling on the board first, and Rori Miles extended the lead with back-to-back free throws shortly after.
Throughout the quarter, both teams traded leads, highlighted by McKenna Vogl‘s layup at 3:21, which helped Sterling regain a narrow margin. As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s defense remained robust, forcing eight turnovers from Friends. Despite a late 3-pointer by the Falcons’ Katie Weiss, Sterling managed to hold a slight edge, closing the quarter leading 14–13.
Sterling began the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, capitalizing on the Falcons’ turnovers. Jacobs and Young were instrumental in creating opportunities, resulting in a swift lead change. Jacobs converted a fast-break layup at 6:46, which helped Sterling gain momentum.
Despite multiple missed shots, Sterling continued to pressure Friends defensively, forcing 10 turnovers and tallying seven steals in the quarter. However, Friends closed the quarter with critical free throws, outscoring Sterling 19–14. By the end of the quarter, the Falcons led 32–28.
The third quarter saw Sterling making impactful plays, particularly in the paint, scoring 18 points inside. Briar’s layup just after the quarter started set a tone, and Vogl followed with multiple layups, contributing significantly to closing the gap. Despite this effort, Friends’ outside shooting, including multiple 3-pointers, kept the visitors ahead.
The Lady Warrior’s defense created opportunities, including three steals, but Friends maintained their lead with efficient shooting from beyond the arc. The quarter ended with Sterling trailing, as the Falcons led 62-51 after increasing their advantage with a late 3-pointer.
Sterling opened the fourth quarter with Vogl making a key defensive play by blocking a shot early on. Jacobs capitalized on a fast break with a layup, assisted by Briar, cutting into Friends’ lead. Jacobs then added two free throws, continuing to keep the scoring close.
Midway through the quarter, Sterling’s momentum was highlighted by Jacobs’ successful layup and a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap further. Despite this effort, Friends maintained a slight edge, thanks in part to timely scoring and defensive rebounds.
In the final minutes, Vogl’s layup, assisted by Briar, kept Sterling competitive. However, Friends managed to hold onto their lead, closing the quarter with a narrow 22-21 advantage in scoring. The game ended with Friends maintaining their lead, concluding at 84-72.
Jacobs scored 20 points and recorded six steals, leading the team in both categories. Briar added 15 points and posted 10 assists, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts. Vogl tallied 21 points, making 10 of 13 attempts from the field, and contributed defensively with five steals and three blocks. Young collected eight rebounds and added six points, enhancing the team’s presence on the boards.
The Lady Warrior (11-4, 7-2) will travel to York, Neb. to take on York University (6-10, 1-8) on Saturday, Jan. 10 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.
