STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Bethany College, 83-68, at the Gleason Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, despite scoring 40 points in the paint.
The Lady Warriors began the first quarter with a strong inside presence, scoring 12 points in the paint. The team capitalized on defensive opportunities, recording three steals, which helped them stay competitive early on. Nevaeh Johnson contributed with a key tip-in and a layup, narrowing the gap.
Despite trailing, Sterling mounted a comeback effort, drawing even at 12 with a layup from McKenna Vogl. The home team managed to close the quarter with two successful free throws from Kali Briar, keeping the score close at 17-14 in favor of Bethany.
Sterling maintained competitive pressure throughout the second quarter, starting with Johnson’s free throws and a successful 3-pointer by Gracie Oard, assisted by Karlee Jacobs. Jacobs contributed defensively as well, with a block at 8:30, aiding Sterling in a brief lead.
As Swedes responded with a 3-pointer, Johnson extended Sterling’s advantage with a layup, again assisted by Jacobs. Despite some challenges, including turnovers, Sterling’s defensive rebounds, particularly by Johnson and Bailey Young, kept the momentum balanced.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Rori Miles‘ layup tied the score at 30, which was answered by the Swedes with a layup by Ray Richardson. Johnson’s tip-in brought the game to another tie at 32. However, Bethany closed the quarter with a 3-pointer, leaving the score at 35–32.
The third quarter began with Sterling gaining momentum through strong inside play, as Miles’s early layup set the tone. Johnson followed with a successful layup and a defensive rebound, aiding a brief lead. Kali Briar contributed with a 3-pointer, assisted by Jacobs, pushing Sterling ahead.
Despite Sterling’s efforts, Bethany responded with a series of baskets, reclaiming the lead with a 3-pointer from Becca Unruh. Sterling’s defense managed a crucial steal by Miles, but the Swedes continued to score effectively, extending their advantage.
The Lady Warriors closed the quarter with a focused effort, as Johnson and Briar kept the team within reach with key shots. However, Bethany maintained a slight edge, ending the quarter with a 56–52 lead.
Sterling entered the fourth quarter with determination, as Young scored a layup assisted by Miles, narrowing the gap to 56-54. Erika Felker‘s 3-pointer shortly after kept Sterling within striking distance at 59-57. However, Bethany responded with a 6-0 run to extend their lead.
Jacobs contributed with a layup and a free throw, cutting the lead to 65-60. Despite Sterling’s efforts, including a layup by Oard and a jumper from Clara Arroyos, the Swedes maintained their advantage. The quarter concluded with Bethany solidifying their lead, resulting in a 27-16 scoring advantage for the quarter, and an overall score of 83-68 in favor of Bethany.
Johnson led the scoring with 25 points, shooting 52.9% from the field and converting all six free throw attempts. Young dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive end. Jacobs contributed defensively with two blocks and added five assists. Miles added two steals and secured five rebounds while Kali Briar chipped in 10 points.
Next up, Sterling (12-5, 8-3) will take on Southwestern (4-13, 0-11) in Winfield, Kan. on Saturday, Jan. 17 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.
