Comets Fall in Lady Jackets' Season Opener

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets basketball team started their 2009-10 campaign with a 74-64 victory over Olivet College on Tuesday, November 17. With the win, the team has now won their last four season-openers, a streak that dates back to a 68-66 victory over Albion College in 2006.  

The Comets took an early lead before Courtney Schmersal hit three consecutive shots, including two three-pointers, to turn a three point deficit into a five point advantage. Olivet came back to tie the game at 15-15 with 11:05 left in the first period, but the Jackets defense responded, forcing 17 first-half turnovers and holding the Comets to just six points over the final 11 minutes. Schmersal's hot shooting continued as she posted a game-high 14 first-half points to help the Jackets close out the period on an extended 20-6 run and take a 14 point lead into the break.

DC senior center Mandie White scored six quick points in the first four minutes of the second half, pushing the Jackets' lead to 25 with 15:23 remaining. Olivet forward Gabrielle Federau scored 16 second-half points as the Comet's made a desperate comeback bid, but it was not enough against a Yellow Jackets squad that hit nine three-pointers  on the night.  

Schmersal hit all six of her field goal attempts in the game to post a team-high 16 points. Junior point guard Tasha Stucke tallied 11 points in the contest while dishing out a game-high seven assists. White got her senior season off to a good start, recording 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds on the night. Freshman guard Jacquelyn Litle made her collegiate debut by recording 12 points, four rebounds and three assists, including a team-high 12 points in the second half.

Defiance (1-0) returns to action on Friday, November 20, when it travels to Adrian, Mich. to compete in the Adrian Tournament. The Jackets will take on Otterbein College in the opening round, with the tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m.