STERLING, Kan. – Sterling College upset Hastings College with a 94-91 victory in a in the Gleason Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, overcoming a 17-point deficit and scoring 58 points in the paint. Notably, Hastings entered the game as the No. 12 ranked team in the NAIA preseason polls, adding significance to Sterling’s impressive comeback.
Sterling opened the game with a quick score from Bailey Young on the tipoff, setting the tone early. The team maintained offensive pressure with contributions from Kali Briar, including a pair of free throws and a three-pointer. Sterling’s defense was highlighted by McKenna Vogl, who added two blocks to keep the Broncos at bay.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling and Hastings exchanged leads multiple times. Rori Miles and Karlee Jacobs provided key baskets that kept Sterling competitive throughout. Despite the Broncos’ scoring efforts, Sterling’s balanced play allowed them to stay within reach.
In the final minute of the first quarter, the Lady Warriors regained control as Vogl’s layup, assisted by Jacobs, put them ahead. A crucial free throw by Miles sealed the quarter, allowing Sterling College to close the first quarter leading 22-21.
The second quarter began with Sterling making an early impact as Young’s jumper, assisted by Jacobs, pushed the Warriors ahead. Sterling capitalized on a quick steal by Briar, who converted a fast-break layup to maintain momentum. However, Hastings, showcasing why they are ranked No. 12, responded with a series of key baskets, including a 3-pointer by McKenna Yates, to even the score.
Sterling worked to keep pace with the Broncos, tying the game at 32 with Briar’s 3-pointer, assisted by Jacobs. As the quarter progressed, Hastings regained control with an 8-0 run, highlighted by Yates’ scoring efforts and a strong full court press, which extended their lead. Despite efforts from Miles and a late layup by Clara Arroyos, Sterling trailed at the close of the quarter Hastings outscoring the Lady Warriors 30-18 in the second quarter giving the Broncos a 50-41 edge going into halftime.
Sterling opened the third quarter with a series of turnovers, allowing Hastings to extend their lead early. However, the Lady Warriors responded with strong inside play, scoring 16 points in the paint, led by Vogl and Young, who each contributed key baskets to keep the game within reach.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s defense tightened, with Vogl recording two blocks to halt the Broncos’ scoring attempts. Briar’s successful three-pointer and Miles’ free throws helped Sterling cut into the deficit late in the quarter.
Despite Hastings’ efforts to maintain their advantage, Sterling closed the quarter with a 26-22 scoring edge, narrowing the gap to end the third with a 71-66 scoreline favoring the Broncos.
The Lady Warriors opened the fourth quarter with a significant momentum shift, as Briar’s three-pointer narrowed the gap. Following this, Jacobs contributed with a layup, bringing Sterling closer to Hastings in the early minutes.
Midway through the quarter, Vogl’s jumper and subsequent layup, assisted by Briar, helped Sterling maintain pressure on the Broncos. A fast-break layup by Miles at 6:37 gave Sterling the lead, prompting a timeout from Hastings.
In the latter stages, Young’s free throws and Miles’ layup provided crucial points, extending Sterling’s lead. Jacobs’ defensive steal and layup in the last minute secured the advantage. Sterling closed the game strong, finishing with a 94-91 victory over Hastings, outscoring them 28-18 in the final quarter.
Briar led the team with 26 points on 66.7% shooting, including four 3-pointers, and added three steals. Vogl contributed a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while also blocking five shots. Young also contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Miles tallied 16 points and four steals, converting six of eight free throws. Jacobs filled the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
With the win, Sterling moves to 1-1 on the season and are set to take on Oklahoma City University (2-1) on Friday, Nov. 7 in the Gleason Center 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.
