Pioneers Snap Lady Jackets' Seven Game Winning Streak

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets' seven-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon as they dropped an 88-80 decision to Transylvania (15-6, 10-3 HCAC). The loss marks the first time since December 2nd that Defiance has came up short at home, and drops the Jackets into a tie with Hanover for third place in the HCAC.

After Shavonda Price's three-pointer gave DC the early lead, the Lady Jackets hit an offensive lull that allowed Transylvania to get out to its biggest lead of the half, an 11-3 advantage, just four minutes into the opening period. However, the Jackets would rally to tie the game, 18-18, at the 11:56 mark and go on to take a ten-point lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. With both teams shooting well in the first half, it was DC's superior three-point accuracy (seven-of-12), that gave the Jackets a seven-point lead at the break.

The beginning of the second half went much like the beginning of the first, with the Jackets getting a quick three-pointer, and then stalling for an extended period. Transylvania took advantage, opening the period on a 17-to-five run that found the Jackets down by two with 13:41 remaining in the game. The Jackets matched their first half offensive production, posting 40 points in the period, but were unable to contain the Pioneers offense, who seemed to make every shot they took. Transylvania connected on 66.7 percent of their field goals in the period on their way to 55 second-half points and an eight-point victory.

DC's lone senior Mandie White did her part on senior day, posting a double-double with 18 points on eight-of-11 shooting to go along with a game-high 11 rebounds. Tasha Stucke recorded a double-double as well, recording a career-high 12 assists and 11 points. Courtney Schmersal hit four-of-five three-pointers on her way to 17 points in the game.

The Lady Jackets (15-7, 9-4 HCAC) get a week off before returning to action on Saturday, February 13, when they head to Cincinnati, Ohio, for a matchup with Mount St. Joseph (6-15, 2-10 HCAC). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.