Home Court Dominance Continues for Lady Warriors

Sterling, Kan. - The Sterling College Lady Warriors put on an offensive show against the Lady Braves of Ottawa University Thursday night in Sterling. The Gleason Center was abuzz as Sterling cruised to an easy 83-38 conference win.

The first half started off very slowly on the offensive end for both teams. Midway through the first half, the teams had only combined for 15 points with Sterling leading 10-5. With a sense of urgency and in her own typical fashion, senior Erica Herman got things going for the Lady Warriors. Herman's aggressive play led Sterling's offensive surge and earned her 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in the first period. Laura Patrick cashed in 7 points to go with another 6 from Madison Lucas, and the Lady Warriors finished the first half with a comfortable 34-20 lead.

Sterling came into the second half with a full head of steam, determined not to start as sluggishly as they did in the first. Using their defensive play to get things going, Sterling stifled Ottawa's offense and held them to only 18 points during the half. Controlling the rebounds was also key to the Warriors success, out-rebounding Ottawa by a total of 24 boards.

Patrick again rallied on the offensive side, scoring 11-second half points leading to her team-high 18. The Lady Warriors wouldn't let up, continuing to extend their lead as the game wore on. Other notable scorers were Jannica Schultze with 12 points, Erica Herman with 10, and Madison Lucas and Cami Racette with 9 points each. Sterling's largest lead of 45 points was also the final lead of the game resulting in the 83-38 final.

With this win, 14th ranked Sterling moves to 6-1 in conference play and 13-3 overall. The Lady Warriors are currently tied for first atop the KCAC with Kansas Wesleyan University, who lost to Friends University on Thursday night. Up next for Sterling is another conference matchup at home versus the Threshers from Bethel on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 5:00 pm.