LAKE WALES, Fla. (December 16, 2021) - The No. 9 nationally-ranked Sterling College Warriors would start the game hot and never look back as the Webber International University women's basketball team fell behind early and was unable to close the gap, losing 88-71 on Thursday afternoon in the opening game of the Warner Classic.

Sterling (13-1) outrebounded the Warriors 38-29 in the game, as well as shooting an outstanding 52.3 percent compared to Webber's 36.6 percent. Sterling was perfect from the charity stripe as it converted all 17 of its attempted free throws.

The Warriors struggled to get going offensively in the first quarter as Sterling started off strong, scoring 27 points on 61 percent shooting in the quarter. The Warriors trailed by 14 points as they entered the second quarter. Webber limited the number of shots from its opposition in the second quarter and began to improve offensively, led by Jaida Burgess with eight points in the quarter followed by LeAndra Franklin with seven. The Warriors were able to cut the lead to single digits after a three-pointer from Franklin lowered the Sterling-lead heading into halftime to just nine points.

Sterling would extend its lead throughout the third quarter and would head into the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead. Back-to-back and-one's from Samantha Wilson and Deja King to start the quarter would trim Webber's deficit to just eight points. However, that is as close as the Warriors would get for the rest of the game as Sterling would continue its offensive efficiency and see out the victory.

Eletra Graham would lead the Warriors in total points with 15, all of which were scored from three-point range. Following Graham was King with 13 points and six rebounds and Burgess with 12 points and four rebounds. Dasia Wandick led the way in terms of rebounds with seven followed by Rushell Jacob with five. Samantha Wilson made her collegiate debut for the Warriors, scoring six points in 12 minutes off the bench.

The Warriors will compete in another Warner Classic game tomorrow at 12 p.m. as they face the Pilots of Bethel College. They will then play in their fourth game in just six days as they travel to Melbourne, Florida to battle Division-II Florida Tech on Sunday, December 19, at 12 p.m.