Lady Warriors Fall to Bluejays Despite Strong Second Half

Sterling, Kan. – The Lady Warriors hosted the Tabor College Bluejays Saturday night in the Gleason Center. Tabor College was the preseason Coach's selection to win the conference, and they played like it. Sterling got off to a slow start, but outscored Tabor in the second half. It was too little too late as Sterling fell to Tabor 76-60.

Sterling was not able to get anything going in the first quarter. The Warriors were outscored 22-6 by Tabor to take a commanding lead early. Alyssa Heskamp, Karlee Jacobs, and Kelsey Koontz each scored two points for the Warriors in the first quarter. Tabor hit shots like they were free throws hitting over 71% of their first quarter baskets. Sterling shot just 20% in the opening quarter.

The Warriors scored at a higher pace in the second quarter by getting to the free throw line, but still gave up seven points to the Bluejays in the second quarter. Sterling was outscored 22-15 in the frame and trailed 44-21 at halftime. Tabor's hot shooting continued as they scored on 67% of their shots. It seemed they could not be stopped in the first twenty minutes as they shot 69% from the field in the first half as Sterling shot just 22%. Korynn Clason scored 6 in the second quarter and led all Warrior scorers at the half, capitalizing at the free throw line going a perfect 4-4.

Sterling go their offense rolling in the third quarter and kept pace with the Bluejays, each team scoring 21 points in the frame. Heskamp came out ready to play scoring 10 of her team high 18 in the quarter. Sterling trailed 65-42 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Warriors closed out the game well putting an end to the scoring pace of the Bluejays. Sterling won the fourth quarter 18-11, finally cutting into Tabor's lead. The deficit was too big, however, as Tabor came away with the 76-60 win over the Warriors.

Heskamp paced the way for Sterling with 18 points and Clason added 13 points. Heskamp and Kayla Morris each had 5 rebounds to lead the way for Sterling. The Warriors did have fewer turnover and more steals than Tabor, but were beaten in the rebound and assist battles. Sterling remained aggressive getting to the rim and getting fouled as they were 27-35 from the free throw line compared to Tabor's 4-10.

Sterling is now 3-5 this season and 2-2 in the KCAC. With the win, Tabor hangs on to the top spot at 7-2 (4-0). Sterling heads to York University on Wednesday evening to play the Panthers. York is 2-5 this season and 1-3 in KCAC play. They are currently on a 3 game losing streak.  Tipoff on Wednesday night is at 6 PM.

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.