Volleyball Topped in HCAC Opener

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Defiance College volleyball team launched into the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference season with a five set thriller against Hanover College on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets dropped the close contest 3-2 (23-25, 25-16, 24-26, 25-20, 15-8). 

Defiance came out with a strong start to open the contest, pulling out a victory in the first set by just a two point margin. After the Panthers rallied to take set two, a pair of kills from Mackenzie Benham (Marshall, Mich. / Marshall) and Jessi Davis (Delta / Delta) and an assisted block from Emma Seitz (Toledo / Central Cathlic) and Davis, the Yellow Jackets secured their second set of the day. 

Hanover went on to take a close fourth set 25-20 before jumping out to a quick lead in set five to wrap up the HCAC opening affair. 

Morgan Porter (Defiance / Defiance) led DC on the day, shattering her career high with 44 digs. The junior also tallied six assists and one ace in the five-set contest. 

On the attack, Benham led the way with 19 kills, while Delaney Monnin (Defiance / Tinora) followed closely with 18 of her own. Also reaching double-digit kills on the day was Seitz with 11. 

In addition to her team high kills tally, Benham managed 22 digs to wrap up her impressive performance. 

Defiance's record now stands at 12-7 on the season and 0-1 in HCAC play. DC will return to action with a trip to Manchester on Wednesday, October 9, at 7:00 pm.