Turnovers Prove Costly as Warriors Fall to Swedes

Sterling, Kan. – Sterling dominated the glass in a midweek KCAC battle, but struggled to control the ball as the Lady Warriors lost to the Bethany Swedes 68-62 on Wednesday night.

Sterling trailed by 6 early, but a 15-4 run to end the first quarter gave Sterling a 19-14 lead. Sterling held onto the lead until the 4 minute mark of the second quarter, when Bethany tied the score at 29. Back and forth it went and the two teams headed into the break with the slimmest of margins between them. Sterling maintained a 32-31 lead.

The third quarter was costly for the Warriors as they were outscored by 5 in the quarter. Trailing by four going into the final frame, Sterling was not able to get any consistent offense going. Both of Sterling's leading scorers were struggling from the field and couldn't seem to fire the engine. Shots that fall on other nights were not falling tonight. The answer that the Warriors found came in a career night from Freshman, Bailey Young. Young poured on 19 points and 14 rebounds as she owned the lane all night. The game was tied with four minutes to play in regulation, but Sterling ended up falling 68-62 when the buzzer sounded.

Outside of Young's performance, Kali Briar added 16 points. Korynn Clason, the KCAC's top scorer, was held to just 9 points, but she worked to be effective by grabbing 12 rebounds, five of them on the offensive end. Alissa Heskamp was also close to a double-double, with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.

The Warriors outrebounded the Swedes 51 to 35 but were on the wrong end of a 17 turnover difference.

Sterling stays at home Saturday when they take on the Ottawa University Braves. Game time is earlier than most Saturdays, with tipoff scheduled for 3 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.