SALINA, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Kansas Wesleyan University, 88-82, despite scoring 22 points off turnovers.
Sterling started assertively, capitalizing on early turnovers from the Coyotes. Karlee Jacobs‘ quick steal and assist set the tone, leading to a 3-pointer by Kali Briar at 8:53. With McKenna Vogl‘s significant contributions in the paint, including multiple baskets and drawing fouls, Sterling extended their lead. The defense forced eight turnovers, limiting KWU’s scoring opportunities. Despite the Coyotes’ trips to the free-throw line, Sterling maintained control, with Gracie Oard‘s offensive rebound and score concluding the quarter, giving Sterling a 23-14 advantage.
The Lady Warriors began the second quarter with a strong start, highlighted by Vogl’s basket in the paint at 9:56, assisted by Briar. Sterling maintained momentum with a quick follow-up from Briar. However, the Coyotes responded by capitalizing on turnovers, narrowing the gap with a scoring run led by Anna Jueneman’s steals and points in the paint. Rori Miles scored in the lane at 5:22, assisted by Jacobs, keeping Sterling narrowly ahead. The Coyotes answered with steady scoring from Izzy McCool and Raegann McDonald, eventually tying the game at 40 with 1:15 remaining and leading 42–40 at the quarter’s end.
Sterling opened the third quarter with a tie at 42, as Briar scored a two-point shot. Sterling then took control early with defensive stops and offensive rebounds, highlighted by Vogl converting a second-chance opportunity in the paint, pushing the score to 44-42. The team maintained momentum through defensive tenacity, including a steal by Jacobs leading to another basket, extending their lead to 56-52. The Coyotes kept the game tight, but Sterling’s free-throw efficiency, particularly by Miles and Nevaeh Johnson, helped sustain a narrow lead. As the quarter closed, both teams exchanged baskets, with Jacobs sinking a critical two-pointer with one second remaining, giving Sterling a 66-64 lead.
Despite the Lady Warrior’s lead going into the final frame, Kansas Wesleyan quickly regained momentum, taking the lead at 9:02. Jacobs made crucial contributions, including a 3-pointer that put Sterling ahead 72-71 at 6:50. However, the Coyotes responded with a series of field goals, maintaining a slim advantage. Bailey Young kept the game tight with a key basket and free throw combination, leveling the score at 78-78 with 5:06 remaining. Despite a strong defensive effort, including blocks from Vogl and critical rebounds, Sterling struggled as KWU capitalized on late opportunities. Adriana DiPrima’s 3-pointer with 19 seconds left extended the home team’s lead, and Sterling’s final attempts were unsuccessful, concluding the game at 88-82.
Kali Briar led Sterling with 20 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws and adding five rebounds. Vogl scored 17 points on 8 of 11 shooting and recorded four blocks. Jacobs finished with 16 points, contributing four steals and three assists. Young collected seven rebounds and scored eight points.
Next up, the Lady Warriors (14-6, 10-4) will take on Tabor College (9-12, 7-8) in the Gleason Center on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 5 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.
