Third Quarter Push Gets Warriors Back to Winning

McPherson, Kan. – The Lady Warriors have been looking for their first win since December, and they found it Saturday night. They traveled to McPherson College to take on the Bulldogs. Sterling used the third quarter, in which they shot over 60% from the field as a team, to edge out McPherson, 78-70.

The first half went back and forth between the two teams, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Alissa Heskamp had a solid first quarter offensively, while Kali Briar was who they turned to in quarter number two. Aliya McClanahan anchored the defense with 3 second quarter steals. As the first half wound down, the Warriors found themselves in a two point deficit, 31-29.

The Lady Warriors broke out in the third quarter scoring 26 points, nearly doubling their entire first half today. They shot over 62% from the field and six different players scored in the quarter. They outscored McPherson by 7 points giving them a 5 point cushion to start the fourth quarter. McClanahan had a stand out quarter retrieving 6 rebounds in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was owned by Sterling's closer, Korynn Clason, who scored 12 of her game-high 22 in the frame. Sterling was able to extend their lead before the final horn blew. When time expired, the Lady Warriors came away with the 78-70 win, halting a 5-game losing streak.

Clason continues to pace the Warriors with her 22 points. Heskamp had 15 points, and led the team in assists (5) and steals (4). McClanahan owned the boards in limited minutes with 12, her first double digit total of the season.

With the win, Sterling climbs to 8-10 (5-7) this season. They take on Bethany College next Wednesday in the Gleason Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 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.