Warriors Sweep First Conference Win

Sterling, Kan.-- The Sterling College volleyball team swept their first win of the conference season this past Wednesday, beating out York University on the Warrior's home court. In a tight 3-set match, the Warriors outworked the Panthers for the win.

The Warriors let the Panthers gather a small advantage after a starting serving ace. The Warriors quickly came back with a strong attack at the net, fighting to catch up and eventually take the lead at 8-7. Afterward, the Warriors and the Panthers were kept close in score, with each putting up multiple scoring runs in the set. Trailing by a point and down to set point, the Warriors took the set after scoring three straight points on three rigorous kills, making the final score 26-24.

The energy was carried onto the second set, the Warriors set a brutal pace early on and had a four point lead several times early on. The Panthers took eleven of the next thirteen points opening up a five point lead. Sterling eventually worked back into the set steady pace and the two teams were tied several times as set point approached. Tied at 25, a Warrior kill by Morgan Pellegrino and a block by Pellegrino and Emily Peterson gave Sterling the second set at 27-25.

The Warriors didn't slow down, gaining and keeping a lead throughout the final set. With strong hands at the net, the Warriors took the set with a kill, completing the match at 25-21.

Morgan Pellegrino and Aliya McClanahan led the Warrior attack with 8 kills each, followed up by Emily Peterson and Paige Borges with 7 kills each. Aubrey Young maintains her strength with assists, totaling 31 for the Warriors. Nyah Isom held a strong back row presence with 13 digs, followed up by Lindsey Kauffman with 12 digs. Peterson added a great defensive performance at the net with 7 total blocks.

The Warriors continue their conference season against the Avila University Eagles on Sept. 22. The game starts at 6 p.m. at home. They then squeeze in a couple of non-conference games against Calvary University and Cottey Collge at Cottey College on Sept. 23. The game are at noon and 2 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 all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.