Volleyball falls to KWU in conference opener

Salina, Kan- The Sterling College volleyball team lost their win streak this past Wednesday in their conference opener against Kansas Wesleyan University. In three straight-set losses, the Warriors were unable to find defensive ground against the strong Coyote attack.

The Coyotes came with a strong start, collecting a lead after a number of aces against the Warriors. Much of the game was spent playing catch-up for the Warriors, unable to make a lead in any of the sets. The first set ended in a kill by the Coyotes, setting the score at 18-25 and the tone for the rest of the game. The Warriors had 11 kills in the first set and a hitting percentage of .241.

The second set was the slowest for the Warriors, unable to get a rhythm in the competition. The Coyotes gained and maintained a ten-point lead through most of the set, leaving the Warriors playing catch up. The set ended with a score of 12-25. The Warriors managed 5 kills for the second set.

The Warriors came out with a renewed energy for the final set, making Kansas Wesleyan earn the three set win, but they were too much for Sterling to overcome and they ended up losing 21-25. In a hard-fought set, the Warriors were looking to steal a win but fell behind in scores after consecutive Coyote kills late in the set. In their final effort, the Warriors had 11 kills in the set.

Paige Borges and Aliya McClanahan led the Warriors at the net, landing 7 and 6 kills, respectively. Aubrey Young continues to be the primary setter with 25 assists for the game. Nyah Isom led the back row for the Warriors, collecting 12 digs over the three sets.

This brings the Warriors' overall record to 7-3 and start KCAC play 0-1 having lost to one of last year's top conference teams. The Warriors face Stephens College in a non-conference game on Sept. 16 at Bethany College. The game starts at 2 pm. They then continue conference against York University on Sept. 20. The game will start at 7 p.m.

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 all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.