Tough Preseason Finishes with Loss to #8 Central Methodist

Sterling, Kan. – Another preseason of tough games against nonconference opponents comes to a close once again for the Lady Warrior basketball team. Saturday afternoon, the Lady Warriors hosted #8 Central Methodist University, a team that had one loss last season; a semifinal loss at the NAIA National Championship.

The Eagles jumped out early and took control in the first half. The Warriors looked to Kayla Morris in the first quarter, scoring seven of Sterling's eleven first quarter points. The second quarter was Alissa Heskamp's to make her impression on the game. Despite their best efforts, Sterling found themselves trailing the Eagles by 15 at halftime, 40-25.

The pace picked up in the third quarter and it became a track meet at times as both teams looked for transition opportunities. Sterling actually outscored the Eagles 23-22 in the frame but only were within 14 points after three quarters. There were scoring spurts by both teams as Sterling was down by over twenty at times, but brought the lead back to 10 with just under three minutes to play in the quarter. The fourth quarter was all Eagles as they pulled away even more from the Warriors.

The long and athletic Eagle team proved their ranking coming into the Gleason Center to take a win away from Sterling. Even when two of the Eagles post players fouled out, they were able to pull away from the Warriors. The final score was 81-59, Eagles.

Sterling is a young team that is figuring out how to play with each other and they have been challenged in unique ways by playing several teams that are in the top 20 this season. These games early often provide learning opportunities that help teams make post season runs.

Korynn Clason led all scorers in the game with 19 points; 15 of those coming in the second half. Heskamp contributed 15 and Morris, 13 to round out the double digit scoring for Sterling. Kali Briar had 7 rebounds and 6 assists to go with her 2 points.

Sterling begins the KCAC season on Wednesday, November 15, at Ottawa University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 pm. Coach Bassett is sitting one win shy of 200 early on this season and will look to get the win in the game against Ottawa, making her the fastest to reach 200 wins in Sterling College Women's basketball history.

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.