Lady Jackets Begin the New Year with a Victory Over Capital

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets completed their non-conference schedule on Sunday, defeating Capital University (7-4) convincingly at the Karl H. Weaner Center. The 75-61 victory gives the Jackets an 8-5 overall record as they head into the second half of the season.

The teams battled neck and neck from the opening tip in an up-tempo first half that saw one tie and six lead changes. Capital went up by one point with six minutes left in the first half, but a Mandie White layup with 3:15 on the clock helped the Jackets reclaim the lead and they would never look back. DC's Jenna Deskins had an outstanding first half, recording ten points and three rebounds, as the Jackets took a three-point advantage into halftime.

After DC took an early five-point second half lead, a layup by Capital's Caitlin Elsass cut the deficit to three, but that was as close as the Crusaders would get. The Lady Jackets held capital to 33.3 percent shooting in the second half, and continued to feed the hot hand of Mandie White, as they climbed out to a comfortable lead. White's layup with 5:37 on the clock put the Jackets up, 71-48, and the Jackets coasted to their sixth win in their last eight contests.

Mandie White was exceptional, posting game-highs in both points (23) and rebounds (11). Shavonda Price continued to fill the stat sheet, posting 16 points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Defiance got a solid team effort from its squad as 13 different players recorded a point for the Yellow Jackets.

The team will travel to Lexington, Ky., for an HCAC clash with Transylvania (7-5, 2-2 HCAC) on Wednesday, January 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.