Yellow Jackets Downed by Nationally Ranked Thunder

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College women's basketball program welcomed Trine University to the Karl H. Weaner Center on Wednesday evening. The number 11 ranked Thunder prevailed in the contest, 71-40.

The Thunder's strong offense was able to handle to DC pressure, shooting 46.8% from the field. The Yellow Jackets night was highlighted by 12 points from Nysha Speed (Sterling Heights, Mich. / L'Anse Creuse North). As a team, Defiance shot 29.2% from the field against the tough Thunder defense, while knocking in four three-pointers along the way. 

Trine was off to a quick start in the game, jumping out to a 7-0 lead before the Yellow Jackets had their offense rolling. A Lauren Rogers (Munger, Mich. / Bay City Central) three-pointer cut into the Trine lead, closing the deficit to 13-8. As the quarter ticked down, a Danielle Carruthers (New London / New London) layup sent the sides to the break with a 25-12 scoreline.

Sam Ervin (Bloomdale / Elmwood) started the second quarter off with a basket of her own before the Thunder added three. Ervin was able to add two more to her name during the second quarter, giving her four in the half. As the sides headed to the locker rooms the score stood at Trine 45, Defiance 24. 

The second half saw a similar output from the MIAA foe. Adding eight to their scoreline, the Yellow Jackets were able to head into the final break down 60-32. 

With a little under five minutes remaining in the contest, a Speed jump shot found its way through the hoop as the Yellow Jackets looked to finish the game with efficient offense. A pair of Michaela Gilliam (Indianapolis, Ind. / Broad Ripple Magnet) free-throws wrapped up the contest for DC. 

The loss brings the Defiance record to 2-8 overall, while remaining 2-2 in the HCAC. The women will return to action after the holidays as they welcome Siena Heights to the Karl H. Weaner Center on Friday, Dec. 28.