Lady Warriors Hang On For Win Over Bethel
Sterling, Kan. - The Sterling College Lady Warriors escaped with a big 63-58 conference win in a scrappy game against the Lady Threshers from Bethel College Saturday evening at the Gleason Center.
A physical standard of play was set early for both teams and a fast pace of play prevailed as Sterling came out of the gates on fire. Senior Britany Gasper led the Lady Warriors charge with six points in the first 4:00 of play. Gasper aggressiveness on both ends of the court also led to two quick personal fouls which led her to see only five minutes of court time in the first half. Sophomore Kayla Eilert showed of her speed and hustle to help the Warriors extend their lead to 19-7 with 11:40 remaining. It was at about that same moment that things began to unravel for Sterling.
The last 10:00 of the first half seemed to take forever as the Lady Warriors managed to score only 8 points. As Sterling struggled shooting, Bethel was able to chip away at Sterling's lead to trail by only three, 27-24 at the half.
Both teams put out their original five starters to begin the second half. Bethel tied the game early in the second period and thus began a long stretch of back and forth scoring. The Lady Warriors eventually gave up the lead with 12:45 left when Bethel went ahead 37-36. Again, it was Eilert's hustle and determination that kept the game close. Clutch offensive rebounds by Eilert led to big scores down the stretch. The play of the game would have to go to senior Jannica Schultze when she stripped the ball from a Lady Thresher and proceeded to get fouled with 1.4 seconds left, sealing the game for the Warriors.
Schultze led Sterling in scoring on the night with 18 points and also contributed five rebounds. In the close game, Schultze's scoring energized the Lady Warriors. Also in double-figure scoring was Gasper with 15 points and eight rebounds.
With this victory, the 14 ranked Lady Warriors move to 15-3 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Sterling travels to McPherson College next on Wednesday, January 19. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.
Story by Erik Dahl
