By JESSE SHEPPARD, reporter
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019
The Sterling Women’s Basketball team won 94-88 against Kansas Wesleyan University this afternoon. Sterling will face off against Tabor for the KCAC championship, the winner of which will head to the NAIA Division II National Tournament.
Sterling’s Lady Warriors were in the lead for the majority of the game, but towards the end, the points grew closer, Kansas Wesleyan’s Coyotes following with only two points fewer than Sterling with a mere 53 seconds left in the final half. One concerned fan, Drew Wright, held his breath while awaiting the game’s conclusion.
“It was a really intense last few minutes of the game,” Wright said, “We had been up by at least ten points for a majority of the game, so it was very nerve-racking to see it get so close that late in the game.”
At several points in today’s game, there were successful steals and blocks facilitated by the team. At one point, in a stunning act of agility, Taya Wilson, a Freshman and Forward for the Lady Warriors, dodged and averted an opposing defender by doubling back and rushing across the court.
Justin Morris, the Director of Athletics at Sterling has high hopes for the Lady Warriors at the championship game.
“What a great year our ladies have had! Coach Bassett and her staff have put together an outstanding product on the floor and we couldn’t be happier for their success. These ladies leave it all out on the floor every night and are fierce competitors,” said Morris, “We fully anticipate that they will represent SC on Monday and at the National Tournament with great pride and doing it Lady Warrior Way.”
The Lady Warriors will be heading to the KCAC Championship against Tabor on February 25 at Hartman Arena in Parkman, KS. Sterling students may obtain free admission and a free ride by signing up before 8 PM this Sunday here. They must also bring their Student IDs for admission.