SC Kansas News

It was the right way to start the new year for the Lady Warriors (11-4, 8-1) as they won almost every statistical category over the Avila University Eagles (2-13, 2-7). Sterling put on their press in the first half and made it very difficult for the Eagles to make clean, crisp passes. Many deflections led to turnovers that fell in the Warrior's favor. Sterling cruised to a victory with an 82-58 win over Avila.

Taya Wilson found opportunity early, but it was Faith Martin who had a great night off the bench for the Warriors that helped make their first quarter push. Over a two minute stretch, Martin scored 7 straight points for Sterling. She made a free throw that gave Sterling the lead for the rest of the night. Over the next minute, Karsen Schultz hit a jumper, Bethany Stucky sunk four straight free throws, and Korynn Clason put in a layup and the Warriors completed a 13-0 run that gave them a 9 point lead. After an Eagle layup, scoring went silent for the rest of the quarter. Sterling wrapped up the first ten minutes with a 21-14 lead.

Taya Wilson dominated the second quarter using defense to turn into offense. Sterling amassed 6 steals in the second quarter alone. Wilson scored 12 of the Warrior's 26 points in the quarter going 4-5 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line, as Sterling built a 20 point half time lead. Sterling started the quarter on an 8-0 run as they continued to build their lead. Outscoring Avila 26 to 13 in the quarter built a comfortable lead and caused hesitation from the Eagles that they could overcome the press that Sterling used so effectively to their advantage. Midway through the game, Sterling held on to a comfortable 47-27 lead.

As the hot hand passed from quarter to quarter, Schultz took her turn in the third quarter scoring 9 of her game high 19 in the period. Martin once again made the most of her minutes adding 6 to her total off the bench. Sterling's lead was never less than 21 in the quarter as they stretched the lead from 20 to 24 as Schultz capped the quarter with a 15 foot baseline jumper just as time expired.

Sterling coasted through the 4th quarter allowing several players off the bench to gain valuable experience. The Warriors actually built the lead to its largest at 29 before a couple of late baskets brought it back to 24 before time expired. Holding true to form in how Sterling plays, whether first five or last five, the Warriors continued sharing the ball down the stretch. Four different Warriors scored off the bench in the final frame. Sterling came away with another convincing 82-58 win to start 2023 off right.

Five Lady Warriors scored in double figures tonight, with Karsen Schultz once again leading all scorers on the court with 19, also adding 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Not far behind were Taya Wilson with 16 points, all of which were scored in the first half, Faith Martin and Korynn Clason who added 13 apiece off the bench, and Bethany Stucky who added 10. Schultz led all rebounders and Kayla Morris made the most of her minutes grabbing 6 rebounds in 10 minutes of play. Kali Briar helped distribute the ball coming away with 5 assists in the game.

As a team, Sterling shot 57% (33-58) from the field. They were just 1-6 from 3 point range and 15-24 from the free throw line. Sterling won all the major categories including rebounds (46-29), steals (12-7), assists (16-13), and, thanks in large part to Sterling's press, the Warriors forced 20 Eagle turnovers.

Sterling is 8-1 in conference play and maintains the top spot in the KCAC with the win. The Warriors return to action on Saturday afternoon, January 7, at 3 pm against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The game will be played in the Gleason Center in Sterling.

Original source can be found here.