POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — No. 3 seeded Sterling narrowly fell to No. 5 seeded, Cedarville University (NCAA DII), 65-63, in a closely contested matchup at Keeter Gym on Saturday, March 21 in the third-place game of the NCCAA National Championship. Sterling mounted a strong fourth-quarter comeback with 24 points but was unable to overcome Cedarville’s early 17-point lead.
The Lady Warriors began the first quarter with a steady offensive effort, highlighted by a crucial 3-pointer from Karlee Jacobs at 5:03, narrowing the early deficit to 10–5. Despite initial challenges with turnovers, McKenna Vogl sank a jumper at 6:21 to keep the team within striking distance.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to a late scoring surge. Gracie Oard nailed a pivotal 3-pointer with just 2 seconds left on the clock, reducing the Yellowjackets’ lead to five points. The first quarter concluded with Cedarville ahead 17–12, but Sterling closed the gap with a strong finish.
The Lady Warriors faced a challenging second quarter as the Yellowjackets executed a strong offensive strategy. Bailey Young opened the scoring with a jumper early in the quarter, but Sterling struggled to maintain momentum against Cedarville’s scoring efficiency. Cedarville capitalized on turnovers, extending its lead with a series of successful plays in the paint and from beyond the arc.
Despite efforts from Kali Briar and Vogl, who each contributed with jumpers, Sterling’s scoring was limited to eight points in the quarter. Cedarville’s defensive pressure resulted in multiple steals, allowing it to widen the gap significantly. The quarter concluded with Cedarville leading 37-20, as Sterling aimed to regroup for the second half.
Sterling initiated a strong comeback in the third quarter, reducing Cedarville’s lead through effective free-throw shooting and key defensive efforts. Vogl’s early block and subsequent defensive rebound set the tone, while Rori Miles contributed by converting on a steal and adding points from the free-throw line. Jacobs’ consistent performance at the line further chipped away at the deficit.
Sterling’s scoring was bolstered by a 3-pointer from Briar and a jumper by Young, narrowing the gap. Despite Cedarville’s occasional responses, the Lady Warriors maintained pressure, closing the quarter with a 19–9 advantage. As the third quarter concluded, Sterling trailed 46–39, positioning itself for a potential comeback.
The Lady Warriors entered the fourth quarter trailing Cedarville. Early in the quarter, Cedarville extended its lead with a series of successful field goals, including a jumper by Ella Sellars to make it 50–39. Sterling responded with a 3-pointer from Briar, narrowing the gap.
Midway through the quarter, Sterling’s defense tightened, leading to a crucial steal by Jacobs. Despite Cedarville’s efforts to maintain their lead, Sterling’s offense kept the pressure on with a key jumper by Vogl, bringing the score to 58–51.
In the closing minutes, Sterling rallied with pivotal scoring from Young, including a late jumper followed by a free throw, cutting the deficit to 64–63. Cedarville managed to hold on, adding a free throw in the final seconds, concluding the game at 65–63.
Kali Briar led Sterling with 16 points, converting four 3-pointers in the process. McKenna Vogl added 15 points and contributed significantly with two blocks. Karlee Jacobs tallied 14 points, notably sinking nine free throws. Bailey Young recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
With the loss, Sterling ends their season going 20-14 on the year and 13-9 in KCAC play.
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