Lady Jackets Get Sixth Straight Conference Win

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets outlasted Hanover on Saturday, downing their HCAC rival, 85-74, to improve their conference winning streak to six straight. The win gives Defiance (14-6, 8-3 HCAC) sole possession of third place, and puts the Jackets half a game behind second-place Franklin with five games remaining.

There was a considerable buzz in the gym as both teams entered the match locked in a tie for third place in the conference. The Lady Jackets fed off the emotion of the crowd, jumping out to an early lead on the back of Mandie White, who was honored before the game for joining DC's 1,000 point club in DC's road win over Anderson on Wednesday. White battled it out with Hanover's All-HCAC center, Molly Martin, and came out on top, finishing the first half with 14 points, shooting six-of-seven from the floor, and pulling down eight boards. Defiance went into the break with an eight-point lead after shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and forcing the Panthers into 12 first-half turnovers.

Defiance got out to a slow start in the second half, missing five of their first six shots, which allowed the Panthers to claw their way back into the game. Hanover tied the game, 57-57, as they capitalized on a technical foul called against the Jackets, but momentum would quickly swing in the Yellow Jackets' favor following the free-throws. Courtney Schmersal nailed a trifecta that put Defiance up by three with 10:53 on the clock, which was directly followed by two quick steals and finishes by Shavonda Price, putting the Jackets up, 64-57, at the 10:18 mark. The Jackets protected their lead from that point and cruised to their 11th win in 12 home games this season.

The Jackets needed a big game from White, and got one in the form of 22 points (71.4 percent shooting), 11 rebounds and two blocks. Price was equally impressive, recording 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a game-high six steals. Tasha Stucke played solid as always, contributing six points and three steals to go along with her game-high six assists.

Defiance returns to the hardwood on Wednesday, February 3, when then travel to Indiana for a matchup with Manchester (4-15, 4-6 HCAC). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.