Quick Start Sends Yellow Jackets Past Saints

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College women's basketball team began an action packed day in the Karl H. Weaner Center by taking on NAIA foe Siena Heights. The Yellow Jackets quick start found them taking the lead early and never looking back, defeating the Saints, 56-48.

It did not take long for Coach Allan King, Jr.'s Jackets to show they were ready to play. A Lauren Rogers (Munger, Mich. / Bay City Central) three just forty seconds into the game started the action. As Defiance played tough defense against the visiting Saints, a Kalyn Pickens (Fort Wayne, Ind. / R. Nelson Snider) layup with three minutes left in the corner had the Yellow Jacket lead extended to 8-3. As the quarter ran down, Yellow Jacket faithful were feeling the energy as DC led 13-4. 

The second period of action saw much of the same inside the Weaner Center. Defiance steadily continued their advantage, never letting the Saints within five points, taking a 23-15 lead into the locker rooms. 

Midway through the third quarter, a pair of Danielle Carruthers (New London / New London) free throws allowed the Yellow Jacket advantage to increase back to eight, 30-22. The durable Yellow Jacket defense allowed the Saints only four more points in the quarter, taking a 35-28 advantage into the final quarter of action. 

Siena Heights drew to within five to start the fourth quarter before Ashley Lee (Millington, Mich. / Millington) knocked down a three-pointer to help give the Yellow Jackets the energy to finish out the contest. A couple Rogers' free throws solidified the eight point victory as time ran down. 

Lauren Rogers led the Purple and Gold, grabbing 19 points in the affair, just one point shy of her career high. On the boards, Taylor day () reeled in 11 rebounds, nine of which came on the defensive glass, to assist the Yellow Jackets to the win. 

The win moves the Defiance record to 3-8 on the season, while remaining .500 (2-2) in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Play. DC will continue their home stretch of games as they welcome Anderson University to campus on Wednesday, Jan. 2 for a 7:30 pm tip-off.