STERLING, Kan. – Sterling College fell to No. 15 ranked Evangel University, 83-73, in the final game of the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 21. Although the Lady Warriors led by as much as 17 points in the first half, the Valor secured the win with a strong third quarter, outscoring Sterling by nine points.
Sterling opened the first quarter with strong inside play, capitalizing in the paint for a significant advantage. Clara Arroyos was instrumental early, scoring multiple layups to help establish the team’s momentum. Despite trading baskets with Evangel, Sterling executed well defensively, forcing five turnovers and converting those into points.
The Lady Warriors maintained control through efficient shooting, making 10 of 14 field goals, while also benefiting from four steals. Karlee Jacobs contributed significantly in the closing minutes, adding to the lead with crucial layups. As the quarter concluded, Sterling led 21-12, establishing a solid foundation.
Sterling began the second quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Jacobs’ early layup, contributing to a notable scoring stretch. Arroyos added to the momentum by securing rebounds and converting free throws, enhancing Sterling’s lead. Despite some turnovers, Sterling’s defense, including a block by Mckenna Vogl, limited Evangel’s scoring opportunities.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling maintained its offensive rhythm, with Jacobs hitting a critical 3-pointer to regain momentum after Evangel narrowed the gap. Bailey Young and Kali Briar contributed crucial free throws and layups, respectively, to keep Sterling ahead. The quarter concluded with the Lady Warriors leading 37–34, as the Valor’s late attempts were insufficient to overcome the deficit.
Sterling began the third quarter with a layup from Rori Miles, extending its lead momentarily. However, Evangel responded swiftly with a 3-pointer from Alyssa McCarty, setting the tone for a competitive quarter. Jacobs notched a steal and converted it into a fast-break layup, keeping the pressure on the visitors.
Despite strong efforts in the paint, scoring 12 points, Sterling faced a challenging stretch as Valor capitalized on their perimeter shooting, hitting six 3-pointers during the quarter. Sterling managed to keep pace with key baskets from Jacobs and Briar, but Evangel’s shooting helped it build a lead.
The quarter closed with Sterling trailing, 64-58, after Jacobs connected on a 3-pointer in the final minute, narrowing the gap as the game headed into the final quarter.
The Lady Warriors started the fourth quarter looking to close the gap. Vogl contributed with two successful free throws early on, reducing the deficit. Despite efforts in the paint, Sterling managed only six points there, compared to Evangel’s 12. Jacobs and Briar recorded key field goals, with Briar’s 3-pointer narrowing the margin to five at one point.
Evangel capitalized on its opportunities, outscoring Sterling 19-15 in the final quarter. The KCAC Regular Season Champions were efficient inside, securing multiple offensive rebounds which led to second-chance points. Sterling’s defense worked to limit Evangel, but the visitors maintained a slight edge, ending the game with an 83-73 victory.
Karlee Jacobs scored 32 points on 12 of 19 shooting, adding two steals and one block. Briar contributed 14 points, making six of 17 field goals and one 3-pointer. Young collected eight rebounds and scored six points, converting all four free-throw attempts. Vogl recorded three blocks, scored 10 points, and added six rebounds.
The Lady Warriors will continue their season in the KCAC Tournament as the No. 6 seed. Sterling (17-11, 13-9) will face the No. 3 seed Friends University (23-5, 17-5) in Wichita, Kan. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 with tip-off scheduled for 7 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.
