Jackets Advance to Semifinals with Win Over Manchester

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets completed the season sweep of Manchester on Tuesday night, defeating the Spartans, 83-70, in the opening round of the HCAC Tournament. The victory means Defiance will advance to the semifinal game in Franklin, Ind., where they will face the top-seeded Grizzlies.

Other than a one-point deficit less than four minutes into the first half, the Jackets led comfortably for the entire game, exploiting what was one of the HCAC's top defenses entering the contest. The Jackets shot a season-high 47.5 percent from the field, and 50 percent from beyond the arc, as they posted the most points allowed by the Spartan's defense all season.

Trailing by one point with 16:21 on the clock in the first half, Tasha Stucke's three-pointer gave the Lady Jackets a lead that they would never relinquish. Defiance outscored the Spartans 21-4 on points off turnovers in the first half, and went into the break leading 40-26.

Defiance led by double-digits for all but two minutes of the second half as they began to find some easy looks inside, outscoring Manchester in the paint by a 16-6 differential while posting a season-high 22 assists. The Jackets' offense was lights out in their final home game of the season, shooting 60.9 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from downtown in the second half.

Shavonda Price played inspired basketball in the first playoff game of her young career. The sophomore guard was a difference maker on both ends of the floor posting 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Courtney Schmersal continued her hot shooting, recording 15 points for her fifth straight double-digit scoring output. Since February 6, Schmersal has shot 53.8 percent from the field, including 56.4 percent from long range, and is averaging 16.2 points per game.

The Lady Jackets will head to Indiana on Friday to face the number one seed Franklin Grizzlies (19-6, 13-3 HCAC). The two teams have split the season series, 1-1, with both teams winning at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.