WICHITA, Kan. — No 6 seed Sterling College fell to No. 3 seed Friends University, 75-68, in a closely contested matchup in the quarterfinal round of the KCAC Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Sterling’s defense recorded 11 steals to keep the game competitive, but the Falcon’s 27-38 from the charity stripe compared to the Lady Warriors’s 8-13 gave the Friends the edge.
The Lady Warriors began the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing the Falcons into early turnovers. McKenna Vogl capitalized on an offensive rebound to score the initial points for Sterling, putting them ahead early. Nevaeh Johnson added to the lead with a well-timed basket, assisted by Vogl, keeping Sterling competitive.
As the quarter progressed, Friends responded with consistent outside shooting, including three successful 3-pointers, to gain momentum. Despite a late 3-pointer from Aja Spencer, the Falcons maintained their lead. The quarter ended with the Falcons ahead, 16–11, as Rori Miles scored for Sterling in the closing seconds.
Sterling capitalized on turnovers to shift momentum early in the second quarter. A series of defensive stops led to a scoring run, highlighted by Bailey Young‘s 3-pointer at 6:39, followed by a basket that put the Lady Warriors ahead. The team maintained its edge with contributions from Johnson and assists by Kali Briar.
The Falcons responded with a counter run, tying the score at 23 with a 3-pointer from KK Peeler at 2:57. Despite Sterling’s strong defensive efforts, Friends managed to close the quarter with a late 3-pointer by Lauryn McIver, resulting in a tied quarter score of 12–12.
Sterling opened the third quarter with a strong defensive effort, capitalizing on the Falcons’ turnovers. Karlee Jacobs led the charge with a steal and subsequent basket, narrowing the gap. Vogl added critical points in the paint, keeping Sterling within reach.
As the quarter progressed, Sterling tied the game at 38-38 with free throws from Johnson, maintaining pressure. Despite the Falcons’ late 3-pointer, the Lady Warriors responded with a basket from Vogl, finishing the quarter trailing closely. The quarter concluded with Friends holding a slim 43-40 lead.
The Lady Warriors made a strong push in the fourth quarter with effective scoring in the paint and defensive plays. Miles connected on a 3-pointer at 8:59, sparking a series of plays that saw Sterling close the gap. Vogl contributed with crucial points in the paint, while Young’s steals helped shift momentum.
Despite the efforts, Friends maintained their lead through free throw shooting. The Lady Warrior’s late scoring attempts which included a basket from Johnson followed by a Falcons turnover and Young bucket to bring the score within four in the final seconds. The quarter ended with Friends leading 75-68.
Karlee Jacobs scored 14 points and recorded five steals while pulling down six rebounds. Kali Briar also contributed 14 points and added four assists. McKenna Vogl put up 10 points and dished out three assists. Nevaeh Johnson added 10 points and collected four rebounds.
The Lady Warriors (17-12) will continue their season in the NCCAA Central Region Tournament with game time and host school to be determined at the conclusion of conference tournaments.
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.
