Third Quarter Surge Gives Lady Warriors Edge Over Ottawa

Sterling, Kan. – The Lady Warriors went toe-to-toe with Ottawa University in a battle between two teams looking to make a push down the final stretch of the season to have the chance at a postseason run. Sterling went on a huge run to start the third quarter and ended up with the 71-58 win. Sterling has swept the season series between these two teams after Sterling had a 20 point win in Ottawa to start the KCAC season in mid November.

Sterling started the night trailing 7-0 but fought hard to close that gap before the end of the first quarter. They ended the quarter on an 8-0 run that gave them a 17-15 advantage. The second quarter was a challenge as both teams traded leads throughout. Sterling's largest lead was six points, but Sterling was outscored and went into the locker room trailing 34-32.

The Warriors came out with a bang in the third quarter scoring the first 13 points of the quarter and taking an eleven point advantage. As the quarter came to a close, they were hanging on to a six point lead. Korynn Clason took over in the third quarter, scoring 15 of the Warrior's 21 points in the quarter.

Starting the fourth quarter with big three point basket by Alissa Heskamp, the Warriors were able to hold the Braves at bay. The closest Ottawa came was four points just over half way through the quarter, but Sterling spent the last of the fourth quarter extending their lead. Sterling ended up with an important 71-58 win.

Several key performances helped the Warriors earn the win. Korynn Clason led all scorers with 23. Pulling in her second double-double in as many games was Bailey Young with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Warriors head to Leavenworth, Kansas next Wednesday to take on one of the hottest teams in the league, the University of Saint Mary Spires. The Spires are in a tie atop the KCAC and the Warriors are fighting for one of the last two spots in the KCAC tournament. Right now they are in a four-way tie for 7^th place in the current standings. There are several weeks still to play, but the postseason will be fast approaching with just 8 teams getting into the postseason conference tournament.

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.