Women's Basketball Falls to Sterling in Road Non-Conference Contest

STERLING, Kan. - Doane women's basketball dropped a 68–56 decision at Sterling College on Saturday evening inside the Gleason Center. The Tigers rallied several times but couldn't overcome an early first-quarter deficit despite strong second-half efforts from multiple contributors.

Sterling opened the game with an 18–5 first quarter before Doane clawed back with a 17–7 surge in the second to trim the gap to 25–22 at halftime. The Warriors responded with a 23-point third quarter and maintained control late behind a decisive edge on the glass (48–32) and at the free-throw line (20-of-22).

Emma Vander Plaats led the Tigers with 12 points, converting all six of her free throws and providing steady production across 22 minutes. Rylie Rice followed with 10 points and eight rebounds, knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Megan Chambers added nine points and six rebounds, while Grace Thompson and Keeleigh Knobbe each contributed six points apiece. Ella Johnson anchored Doane's rebounding effort with a game-high 10 boards.

Doane shot 32 percent (19-for-59) from the floor and 70.6 percent (12-for-17) at the line but struggled from three-point range (6-for-31). The Tigers forced 22 Sterling turnovers and came away with 11 steals, including six in the fourth quarter that fueled a 19-point period—their highest of the night.

Sterling (68 points on 36.2 percent shooting) was led by Kali Briar's 21 points, including three three-pointers, while Karlee Jacobs scored 13 and McKenna Vogl added 11 points and eight rebounds.

The Tigers will return to conference play on Wednesday, December 3, when they travel to Seward to take on Concordia.

(generated by ChatGPT)