The Lady Warriors traveled to Leavenworth, Kan. on Saturday to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires for their last KCAC match-up before the Christmas break. Sterling survived a second half offensive push by Saint Mary to take down the Spires 80-73.

The first half started with both teams scoring in bunches and keeping their opponent close. Sterling drew first with a 6-2 lead to start the game with back to back three's from Allie Faul (SR/Hillsboro, Kan.). The Lady Warriors attacked and attacked to get a substantial lead against Saint Mary but the Spires kept it interesting with each bucket made. Through the first seven minutes of the game the Spires continued to find their ways to score against the Lady Warriors to take their first lead of the game 14-13.

Going back and forth down the court, the Lady Warriors changed their defensive scheme to keep Saint Mary uncomfortable on offense. Sterling's game plan paid off when Lori Dauer (SR/Falun, Kan.) sank two free throws with 7:55 left in the half to take back the lead 24-22. These back to back free throws jump started the Lady Warriors to help get their offense going with a 13-4 run over the next six minutes to gain a substantial lead against the Spires for a 37-26 score with 1:25 left in the half. Sterling's late offensive surge gave Sterling an eight point advantage going into the half, 41-33.

Out of the locker room to start the second half, Saint Mary began taking offensive strides to get back into the game. With Sterling ahead 51-39 and 15:59 left on the clock, the Spires began their biggest offensive splash of the night by going on a 15-4 run against the Lady Warriors to bring the game to a one point score with 12:02 in the game. Faul did her best to carry over her excellent three point shooting from the first half with a clutch three pointer from the corner to stop the Spires’ momentum.

Faul's not only took some momentum away from Saint Mary but also got Sterling in the right direction to start a 9-3 run to give the Lady Warriors a seven point lead with 7:33 left. The Spires battled their way back, closing the lead to only a two point game with 3:35 left in the game but clutch shooting in the closing minutes put a stop to Saint Mary's scoring and to give the Lady Warriors an 80-73 lead.

Allie Faul capped off her best shooting night of the season with a career high 21 points. Lori Dauer was second on the team with her 16 points and also becomes the newest member of the 1,000 point club in Sterling history. Leading rebounder in the game was Dauer with eight and Jordin Greer (FR/Hoisington, Kan.) was the leader with assists with three.

Sterling 5-7 (2-2) head to Daytona Beach, Florida to take on the Embry-Riddle on December 15th before taking part in the Tabor College Classic on January 2-3.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #swordsup. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.