STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College Volleyball started off the season with a dominant performance over Hesston College on Saturday, August 22 in the Gleason Center. The Lady Warriors swept the Larks with set victories with scores of 25-10, 25-14 and 25-19, powered by a team total of 13 service aces and 13 blocks.
Sterling began the first set with a strong start after an initial back-and-forth exchange. Keala Wilson Brown‘s early contributions helped the team gain momentum with a crucial block and kill. A sequence of offensive plays, highlighted by kills from Chloe Schmidt and Gracie Kirchhoff, allowed Sterling to pull ahead.
Midway through the set, Sterling established a run, with Grace Battershell assisting multiple scoring plays, including consecutive kills by Madison Lundeen. The team capitalized on Hesston’s errors, extending the lead to 16-7 with consistent defensive pressure and efficient attacking.
As the set neared its conclusion, Sterling continued to apply pressure, with Aliya McClanahan and Abigail Howard contributing to key blocks. A service ace from KcAnna Keiswetter further widened the gap. Sterling closed out the first set decisively, securing a 25-10 lead.
The Lady Warriors gained momentum early in the second set with a well-executed attack, highlighted by McClanahan’s kill following a Lark service error. Sterling capitalized on Hesston’s miscues, including an attack error by Layla Romero, to build an 8-6 lead. The Lady Warriors further extended the lead with a series of service aces from Battershell and Hannah Rupp, pushing the score to 16-7.
Sterling maintained control throughout the set, with Kirchhoff and Wilson Brown delivering key kills. Lundeen and McClanahan contributed defensively with blocks, keeping Hesston at bay. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Kirchhoff, sealing a 25-14 victory for Sterling.
The Lady Warriors began the third set with strong play from McClanahan and Kaira Rodriguez, who capitalized on assists from Battershell and Taylor “Dru” Lindsey to gain an early lead. Despite multiple service errors by both teams, Sterling maintained momentum with a crucial block by Schmidt and Wilson Brown, followed by a service ace from Brooklyn Kuster that kept the score tight.
As play continued, Lundeen and Wilson Brown contributed significant kills, and another service ace by Kaleigh Bell helped Sterling pull ahead. A series of attack errors from Hesston allowed Sterling to extend its lead, punctuated by effective blocking from McClanahan and Rodriguez.
Sterling consolidated its advantage with a service ace from Keiswetter and additional kills from McClanahan and Kirchhoff. Despite a late push from Hesston, Sterling secured the set with a 25-19 victory, concluding with a service error from the opponent.
Lindsey anchored the defense with 17 digs and added two aces. Wilson Brown contributed significantly with five kills and 13 assists, while also recording five total blocks. McClanahan matched Wilson Brown’s attacking efforts with five kills and added seven total blocks. Kirchhoff led the attack for the Lady Warriors with seven kills and added one block.
With the win, the Lady Warriors move to 1-0 on the season and are set to take on Dallas Christian and Cottey (MO) on Friday, Aug. 28, at 3 and 5 p.m. at the Thunder Invitational Tournament in Manhattan, Kan.
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.
