The Panthers fought hard Wednesday night against the Warriors from Sterling College, ranked 11th in the latest NAIA DII Women's Coaches' Top 25 Poll, before falling 80-60.

In the first quarter York found themselves in a hole before getting within one point at 12-11. But over the next three minutes the Warriors put together a 7-0 before leading 23-16 before the horn. Sterling scored 19 of their 23 points in the paint.

The second quarter was one of scoring runs by each team. After finding themselves down 28-18 the Panthers went on a 9-2 run to bring the game to 30-27 which forced a timeout by Sterling. After the timeout adjustments were made as the Warriors finished the final 3:49 of the half on a 9-2 run to put them ahead by 10 at the break 39-29.

Sterling came out quick in the third quarter going on a 14-4 run and building their lead to 20 points. Nakia Hackel (JR/Arlington, Texas) slowed that down with back-to-back deep three-pointers to put the score at 53-39. The Warriors stayed in their element though and finished the quarter on a 13-1 run.

With a comfortable 66-40 lead going into the final quarter the Warriors seemed to struggle with their intensity as the Panthers hit strong on the boards and their shots started to drop. York started the fourth quarter on a 13-4 run forcing Sterling to call a timeout.

Over the final five minutes of play the teams traded baskets as York couldn't gain enough ground to make the full comeback.

Melody Thomsen (JR/Westminster, Calif) led York with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Ciara Williams (SR/San Diego, Calif) finished with nine points and seven rebounds.

Both teams had 20 turnovers, with York converting the Warriors into 27 points. Sterling pounded the ball inside and it was something the Panthers weren't able to match as points in the paint totals were 61-28 in favor of the Warriors.

York heads to Ottawa University on Saturday as they close out the first semester still looking for their first KCAC win. York sits at 3-10 overall, 0-8 in conference play.