Sterling College defeated York University in four sets, 26-24, 25-21, 22-25, 26-24, on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Freeman Center in York, Neb. Sterling’s aggressive serving led to eight aces, while their defense tallied 78 digs. The win was highlighted by a strong blocking performance, as Sterling recorded 10 total blocks.
Sterling College began the first set on the road against York by overcoming an early deficit. Despite initial setbacks, including a service error, Sterling found momentum through strong performances from Keala Wilson and Aliya McClanahan. Wilson’s service ace and McClanahan’s kill helped close York’s lead to 8-7.
As the set progressed, Sterling continued to apply pressure, capitalizing on York’s errors and maintaining a resilient defense. Kodie Herd and Maddie Lundeen contributed crucial points, narrowing the gap further. Trailing 21-17, Sterling surged with a series of points, highlighted by a block from Chloe Schmidt and Wilson, eventually drawing the score to 24-24.
In a tense finish, Sterling seized control with a decisive kill by Wilson and a Panthers setting error, securing the set at 26-24.
In the second set, the Lady Warriors capitalized on key moments to shift the momentum in their favor. After falling behind early, Sterling leveled the score at 4-4 with critical plays from Schmidt and Herd, who each delivered timely kills. A service ace by KcAnna Keiswetter and subsequent kills from Wilson and Schmidt allowed Sterling to take a narrow lead.
York managed to briefly regain control, but Sterling responded with a decisive 6-0 run, highlighted by contributions from McClanahan and Herd, pushing the score to 18-15 in Sterling’s favor. Despite the Panthers’ efforts to close the gap, Sterling maintained their advantage with solid blocking and strategic plays, as evidenced by Kaira Rodriguez‘s block extending the lead. Sterling closed the set with a 25-21 victory following Lundeen’s final kill, securing a strong finish.
In the third set, the Lady Warriors initiated a comeback after trailing early against the Panthers. Lundeen’s kill off a set by Grace Battershell put Sterling on the board, closing the gap to 3-1. A series of attack errors by York allowed Sterling to tighten the score to 4-3. Brooklyn Kuster then served two consecutive aces, leveling the score at 9-9 and briefly giving Sterling a 10-9 lead.
The set saw back-and-forth momentum as Sterling regained the lead at 17-16 following a kill by Herd. York, however, responded, tying the score at 20 before edging ahead. Sterling stayed competitive with key plays, including a service ace by Kaleigh Guhr to tie it at 22-22, but York closed the set with a 25-22 win, aided by a late service ace and a final kill by Emma Kerley.
Sterling opened the fourth set with a quick 2-0 lead following back-to-back kills by Lundeen, assisted by Battershell. York briefly equalized, but Sterling regained momentum with Schmidt’s kill to move ahead 3-2. Herd’s kill and a subsequent service ace by Wilson extended Sterling’s lead to 9-6.
York managed to close the gap multiple times, bringing the score to a tense 15-15 tie. However, Sterling responded with a critical kill by Rodriguez to regain the lead. York once again drew level at 20-20, but a service error by the Panthers and a kill from McClanahan put Sterling back in front.
In the closing moments, Sterling College maintained composure, with Schmidt’s kill giving them a 25-24 edge. A decisive service ace by Kuster sealed the set at 26-24, securing the set and the match for Sterling College.
Kuster led defensively for the Lady Warriors with 17 digs, adding three service aces. Guhr contributed 16 digs, enhancing the team’s defensive stability. Battershell orchestrated the offense with 26 assists. Wilson contributed 18 assists to the mix with 15 digs and seven kills. Schmidt led the Warriors offensively with 11 kills. McClanahan was a blocking force with six total blocks, including one solo block.
After the win, Sterling moves to 12-7 overall, 2-4 in conference. They will take on Friends University (16-5, 2-2) in Sterling, Kan. at the Gleason Center on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 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.
