Women’s Basketball secures a victory at home against Earlham

DEFIANCE, Ohio- Women's Basketball hosted Earlham College in the Karl H. Weaner Center on Friday evening. The Yellow Jackets secured the first victory of the season by a score of 52-49.

The first half saw both sides evenly matched as the score was tied at the end of the first 10 minutes of play. The Quakers slightly pulled away in the second quarter holding a three-point lead going into halftime. 

The teams continued the competitive battle in the third quarter as the Yellow Jackets held a one-point advantage headed into the fourth. Defiance extended their lead throughout the fourth quarter. It was a made free throw from Kylie Brinkman and a crucial offensive rebound from Lauren Criblez that secured the victory for the Purple and Gold. 

Brinkman finished the night with nine points, two rebounds, and one steal. While Criblez contributed five points and five rebounds. 

"We had some key times where we had a young group of players on the floor tonight," said head coach Allan King, Jr., " and Kylie is a great example of them." "She was fantastic on the defensive end tonight, and a lot of that led to offense." King added, " She knocked down a huge shot early on when we needed to get going and made some big plays late in the game." 

Sophomore Briana Townley had another standout performance tonight, leading the Yellow Jacket offense with 12 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two assists. Following close behind was senior Kalyn Pickens, who recorded nine points, four rebounds, and three steals.

"Kalyn had a phenomenal second half, and the stats don't tell the whole story of the impact that she had for us," said King. "For the most part, she took away one of their best players in the second half," he added, "that's just who KP is, she is going to give effort every night, and when that effort is under control, she makes big plays." 

From the floor, Defiance made 35.7% (15 of 42), compared to Earlham, who shot 33.3% (18 of 54) from the field. The away side made 7 of 10 (70%) from the free-throw line, where the Yellow Jackets went 19 of 33 (57.6%) from behind the line. Defiance finished with a 36-34 edge in rebounds over the Quakers. 

"If we knocked down some free throws, this game isn't as close as it is," said King. "Shooting wise, we had some big quarters where we shot 50 and 40 percent, and we just have to put four quarters together and run away with it."  

With the win, Defiance moves to 1-6 overall on the season. The Yellow Jackets are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, February 13, as they hit the road to play another matchup against Earlham. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm in Richmond, Indiana.