Jackets Fall to MSJ in HCAC Title Bout

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The 2008 season came to a close on Sunday for the Defiance College volleyball team, as the Yellow Jackets fell to Mount St. Joseph in the championship match of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament.

The title match featured the top two teams from the regular season, but the top-seeded Lions caught fire early and claimed the championship with a 25-8, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Defiance.

Julie Brunsman dished out 25 assists, while Danyel Lipps and Lauren Aldridge each put down six kills to pace the DC attack. Lipps also anchored the defense with 13 digs and Sara Porter chipped in 12 digs.

The loss brings an end to Defiance's first winning season since 2005. The Yellow Jackets end the year with a 15-13 overall record for a seven-win improvement from the 2007 campaign.

The young Yellow Jacket squad exceeded expectations en route to finishing just one win shy of the regular season HCAC crown and reaching the tournament championship clash with the Lions. DC was selected fifth in the HCAC Preseason Poll, but shared the top spot in the conference standings until dropping the final match of the regular season.

Despite the tough loss on Sunday, the future appears bright for the Jackets. DC could return everyone for next season except for its lone senior, Lauren Aldridge, as it hopes to take the next step in 2009.