DC Holds On to Defeat Siena Heights

ADRIAN, Mich. – Defiance survived a late run by Siena Heights, claiming a 74-72 victory on Tuesday, December 2. The Jackets even up their record with win, improving to 3-3 on the season.

Amber Bailey's put back gave DC a 3-1 advantage in the opening minute, but the Saints responded with a 12-0 run over the next five minutes to grab a 13-3 advantage. Despite scoring on four of its next six possessions, Defiance could not close the gap as Siena Heights answered each DC bucket to lead 23-13 with 9:19 left in the first half.

The Jacket defense forced five turnovers in the ensuing four and half minutes to jumpstart a 13-2 spurt, as Shavonda Price's score off a steal helped DC regain the lead, 26-25. The Saints scored the next four points of the game to jump back in front, before Mandie White's basket made it a one-point game at the break.

Defiance started the second half hot, as Courtney Schermsal's trifecta capped off a 16-5 run that gave the Jackets a 44-34 advantage with just over 15 minutes left to play. DC saw its lead grow to as much as 12 in the second half and led 69-59 with 56 seconds remaining after a Makayla Graves free throw. Defiance converted its free throw opportunities down the stretch to seal the victory, overcoming a late charge by Siena Heights that saw the Saints score 13 points in the closing minute.

The Jackets used a balanced scoring attack to record the victory, as four players reached double-figures in the game. White got back on track with her first double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Courtney Schmersal scored eight of her 13 points in the second half, while tallying a career-high three steals. Holly Stein had another solid performance for DC with 10 points and nine caroms, while Amber Bailey had an 11-point, seven-rebound, five-block effort.

DC improved to 3-0 when scoring over 70 points, after shooting 35 percent from the field. The Jackets forced 27 turnovers in the game, as its opponents have surrendered over 20 turnovers in five of its first six contests.

Defiance will open up its conference schedule on Saturday, December 6, when it travels to Hanover for a HCAC doubleheader. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.