STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College defeated William Penn University, 69-59, with a commanding 43-33 rebounding advantage and 13 steals in the Gleason Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The Lady Warriors began the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, producing eight steals and turning them into six points off turnovers. McKenna Vogl‘s layup at 9:29, assisted by Bailey Young, set the tone early. The home team controlled the paint with eight points and maintained a steady pace with fast-break opportunities, adding six points from these transitions.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling’s defense limited William Penn to only one field goal in 12 attempts. Sterling closed the quarter by extending their lead with a scoring drive that included successful free throws from Karlee Jacobs and a jumper by Young, ending the quarter ahead 15-6.
Sterling started the second quarter by capitalizing on turnovers and defensive rebounds, with Vogl and Rori Miles contributing key baskets. The Lady Warriors extended their lead early with a six-point run, highlighted by Vogl’s jumper and a layup from Miles. Defensive efforts limited the Statesmen’s scoring opportunities, with Sterling maintaining control in the paint.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling continued to build their advantage with contributions from Kali Briar, who drained a 3-pointer, and Megan Ricke, who added a layup. Despite a push from the Statesmen, including a 3-pointer by Kayla Peoples, Sterling’s defense held firm. The quarter concluded with Young’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer, closing with Sterling ahead 31-18.
The Lady Warriors maintained their competitive edge in the third quarter, matching William Penn point for point with both teams scoring 20 points. Briar contributed significantly with a layup at 6:07, assisted by Vogl, who also added a layup and a block later in the quarter. Jacobs capitalized on a crucial 3-pointer at 1:34, extending the home team’s lead.
William Penn attempted to close the gap with successful field goals, but Sterling’s defense and timely scoring kept them at bay. The quarter ended with a successful 3-pointer by Briar, assisted by Miles, solidifying the home team’s position. Sterling College led 51-38 at the end of the third quarter.
Sterling maintained a steady momentum in the fourth quarter, despite a push from William Penn. Jacobs contributed significantly with two successful free throws and a layup, helping the team sustain their lead. Ricke added a critical 3-pointer, assisted by Jacobs, boosting the home team’s scoring efforts. Sterling effectively capitalized on second-chance opportunities, out-rebounding the visitors 11-7 in total boards.
William Penn responded with a strong shooting performance, converting four out of seven 3-point attempts. However, Sterling’s defense, including a key block by Vogl, limited the visitors’ ability to close the gap. Briar’s late 3-pointer, assisted by Ricke, sealed the quarter, allowing Sterling to maintain their lead. The game concluded with Sterling leading 69-59.
Jacobs recorded a standout performance with 13 points and five steals while also securing six rebounds. Briar led the scoring with 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Young collected another double-double with a game-high 16 rebounds, contributing 10 points and one steal. Vogl tallied 17 points, three blocks, and three steals, rounding out the defensive effort with eight rebounds.
The Lady Warriors (2-2) will open up the conference season against York University (4-2) at home on Saturday, Nov. 15 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.
