Volleyball Win Streak at Four Games

Sterling, Kan.- The Sterling College varsity volleyball team matched up against the Avila Eagles this past Friday, recording a 3-1 final in the game. The Warriors took an early lead with two set wins, then finished in a robust fourth set against the Eagles. This puts their conference record at 2-1.

The Warriors took an early lead in the first set, maintaining strong hands at the net against the Eagles. The final points of the game were kept close, as the Eagles capitalized on some attacking errors made by the Warriors. With the set tied at 24, the Warriors snatched the set with a kill by Ashlyn Fast and a hard block by Emily Peterson and Fast, winning the first set 26-24.

The Warriors took the second set from the Eagles with a little more breathing room, collecting a 25-18 win. It was a very close set at the beginning with ties at 1, 3, 5, and 7 points. Finally, Sterling took a lead they would not relinquish. With the score at 19-17 favoring the Warriors, Sterling scored six of the last seven points to win the set 25-18.

The Eagles came out of their nest in the third set, stealing a win and denying the Warriors a sweep for the match. For much of the set, the Warriors and the Eagles tied the score, unable to break away. The Eagles found their opportunity after being tied at 17, scoring the next four points to take a slight lead. The Eagles took the third set at 25-21. Sterling maintained a 2 sets to 1 lead.

The Warriors came back with a vengeance, crushing the Eagles in a comfortable win of 25-16 in the fourth set. With clean kills and strong blocks at the net, the Warriors were determined to finish the fourth set. Sterling came away with the 3-1 win over Avila.

Peterson led the Warriors' attack with 11 kills, followed up by Morgan Pellegrino with 10 kills. Aubrey Young displayed her skill in both attack and defense, lending 32 assists and 13 digs across the four sets.

Nevada, Mo.- The Sterling College volleyball team turned right around and jumped on the bus after the Friday night conference win to take on a pair of nonconference opponents in a tri at Cottey College.

The Warrior came out strong in the game against Calvary, sweeping a 3-0 win. The Lady Warriors made quick work over Calvary by an average of almost 10 points per set. Sterling won 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 and were able to get some quality points out of players that have not normally seen the floor this season.  

Morgan Pellegrino and Paige Borges and led the Warriors in their attack, locking in 8 and 7 kills, respectively. Grace Battershell carried a strong presence in the back row, recording 13 digs across the three sets. Lindsey Kauffman and Kaleigh Gurr each had three service aces in the match to add to an already dominant performance by Sterling.

The Warriors then faced a more aggressive opponent in their next match, outplaying Cottey College in a 3-1 win for the game. Set one was a close one throughout. Neither team led by more than four points in the set. Cottey took an early victory during the first set at 25-22, but it did not last long. Sterling came out strong in the second set, setting the tone from the first point. In the set, Sterling put together a couple of three and four point runs. The Warriors won the second set at 25-14. The third and fourth sets were much closer with the scores tallying 26-24 in the third, and 25-22 in the fourth set.

The Warriors had a strong attack against Cottey, led by Aliya McClanahan with 12 kills and Emily Peterson and Morgan Pellegrino with 10 kills each. The Warriors had a total of 55 kills for the game. Nyah Isom held a strong back-row presence, recording 16 digs for the Warriors. Young continues to serve the Warriors as the primary setter in this 5-1 offense, totaling 30 assists for the game.

Sterling is now 11-4 overall, and with the win over Avila, are now 2-1 in conference play. They currently sit fifth in the KCAC standings as they are still early in the conference season. The Warriors continue their conference season on Sept. 27 at McPherson, where they will battle against the Bulldogs. Game starts at 7 p.m. They then travel to Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Sept. 30. Game starts at 3 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.