McKENZIE, Tenn. (SCWarriors.com) – In the opening round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Tournament, #16 Sterling College took on #1 seeded Bethel University (Tenn.) in McKenzie, Tenn on Friday, March 14. The Lady Warriors fought hard, but were unable to come away with the win as they fell to the Wildcats 86-56.
Both teams got out to a sluggish start in the first quarter, with Sterling only shooting 25% and Bethel shooting a slightly better 32%, both well below their season average.
McKenna Vogl carried the Warriors offensively through the first frame with six of the teams 10 points. Bethel was in a similar situation as 10 of their 16 first quarter points came from Micah Hart.
Shooting picked up for both teams in the second quarter, Sterling going 47% from the floor while Bethel shot 52%. Scoring also dispersed itself throughout both teams Hart and Vogl were held to four and three points, respectively leaving the halftime score 37-29 in favor of the Wildcats.
The biggest difference in the game came in the third quarter where the Lady Warriors were outscored 28-11, with Sterling’s Kali Briar scoring nine of the teams 11 points.
The Lady Warriors did not go away quietly as they continued to battle in the fourth quarter. Although they were down by as much as 30 in the early moments of the fourth quarter, Sterling slowly chipped away at the lead and cut it down to 16 with four and a half minutes to play.
However, Bethel was able to push the lead back out to 20 and with two minutes left in the game both teams cleared their bench. It was then that the Wildcat’s bench got hot from beyond the arc and amped up the pressure to go on an 11-1 run to end the game with an 86-56 win.
Briar and Vogl finished with 15 and 13 points, respectively while Korynn Clason also chipped in 11. Evie Gill led Sterling in assists with three while Alissa Heskamp and Briar both led the Lady Warriors in steals with three each.
Alex Bearup, Clason, Heskamp and Vogl each had a team high five rebounds on the game.
The Lady Warriors ended the season with an overall record of 21-11 and 15-8 in conference play.
“It is always difficult when a season ends but what an awesome season it has been. Playing at the national tournament is an incredible experience and I am glad we were able to accomplish that goal,” head coach K.C. Bassett said. “Thank you to this group of seniors for giving their heart and soul to this program. They have left a tremendous legacy and I am so proud to have been their coach during their journey as a Lady Warrior. Thank you to the Sterling College administration, students and fans for the love and support you’ve shown this team. You helped create memories that will last a lifetime.”
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.
