STERLING, Kan. — Haskell Indian Nations University edged out Sterling College 77-72 at Gleason Center, capitalizing on a fourth-quarter surge to secure the victory.
Sterling opened the first quarter being aggressive on the boards, securing seven offensive rebounds to maintain possession. Midway through, Kali Briar connected on two 3-pointers, assisted by Bailey Young and Karlee Jacobs, keeping Sterling competitive in the early exchanges. Despite their efforts, Sterling faced a scoring challenge as HINU’s Ona Dauphinais and Angela Astorga led a series of successful fast breaks and free throws, creating multiple lead changes. The quarter closed with Sterling narrowing the gap slightly with a successful old-fashioned three-point play by Briar, ending the first quarter trailing 22-13.
Sterling started the second quarter strong, with Jacobs hitting a 3-pointer set up by Rori Miles‘ assist to cut the deficit. McKenna Vogl contributed significantly with a block and multiple baskets, including a layup that helped narrow the gap. Sterling maintained defensive pressure, with Vogl also securing a key steal late in the quarter. In the final moments, Sterling capitalized on the Fighting Indians’ turnovers. Jacobs sank another 3-pointer, assisted by Miles, bringing Sterling within striking distance. With only three seconds remaining, Miles sank two crucial free throws, reducing the deficit to a single point. The quarter closed with Sterling trailing narrowly, 36-35.
Sterling opened the third quarter with a jumper by Vogl, assisted by Young, immediately regaining the lead. The home team continued to press with Miles contributing a crucial jumper that extended their advantage. Midway through, Aja Spencer hit a key three-pointer, with an assist from Jacobs, keeping Sterling ahead. Jacobs and Briar each added a three-pointer, maintaining the team’s scoring momentum. Sterling’s defense was pivotal in this quarter, with Vogl and the team collecting critical rebounds, and Briar executing a timely steal. With the clock winding down, Vogl’s layup and free throws in the final minute helped Sterling solidify their lead. Sterling outscored Haskell 21-16 in the third quarter, closing with a 56-52 advantage.
Sterling entered the fourth quarter with a narrow advantage, looking to maintain their lead against the Fighting Indians. Vogl opened the quarter by extending Sterling’s lead with a free throw, but Haskell quickly responded, leveling the game at 57-57 with two quick layups. Sterling regained control momentarily with a layup from Vogl assisted by Jacobs, but Haskell’s scoring surge continued. As the quarter progressed, the Fighting Indians managed to pull ahead, capitalizing on Sterling turnovers and converting them into points. Despite Aja Spencer‘s three-pointer tying the game at 62, Haskell’s Ivy Fox and Dauphinais made crucial plays that extended their lead. Sterling’s Jacobs kept the team within striking distance with a late three-pointer and a layup, cutting the deficit to 75-70 with just over a minute remaining. In the closing moments, Sterling’s effort to rally faced Haskell’s steady free-throw shooting, which preserved their advantage. A late layup by Briar brought Sterling closer, but the Fighting Indians secured the game at the line, concluding the contest with a 77-72 victory.
Jacobs scored 22 points, including four three-pointers, while also contributing four steals and four assists. Vogl added a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, bolstered by four steals and two blocks. Kali Briar tallied 19 points with four three-pointers and collected three steals.
Up next, the Lady Warriors (0-1) will host Hastings College (2-0) in the Gleason Center on Tuesday, Nov. 4 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.
