Yellow Jackets Fly by Cardinals, 89-80

ADRIAN, Mich. – The women's basketball team started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2006, after defeating Otterbein College, 89-80, Friday night in the opening round of the Adrian Tip-off Tournament. The victory secured a spot for Defiance in the championship game on Saturday, with the tip-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Defiance never trailed in the game, as they once again rode the hot shooting of Courtney Schmersal and Tasha Stucke to claim an 11-point lead by the 13:28 mark.  The Cardinals fought back to cut the lead to six on a layup from Karli Volkmer with 11 minutes remaining in the half, but the Jackets responded with two quick three-pointers from Jenna Deskins to push the lead to 15 with 6:30 left in the period.

DC's Shavonda Price came out aggressively, earning multiple trips to the free-throw line to post ten points in the half. The Jackets ended the first period with another clutch three point field goal from Schmersal to take a 17 point lead in to the break.

The Cardinals gained some momentum to start the second half, cutting Defiance's lead to seven at the 14:09 mark before another Schmersal three-pointer bumped the Jacket's lead back up to ten. Center Mandie White found her stride midway through the second half, scoring six consecutive points for the Jackets to neutralize the Cardinal's comeback attempt.

Otterbein's Katy Miller played outstanding, recording 15 rebounds in the game to keep the Cardinals within striking distance and allowing them to cut the Defiance lead to five with just over six minutes remaining in the game. DC Freshman forward Jacquelyn Litle continued her propensity for producing big in the second half, making several critical shots to eliminate any chances of a comeback by the Cardinals and secure the Jackets' nine point victory.

Courtney Schmersal led all scorers with 21 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Shavonda Price filled the stat sheet, recording 17 points, ten rebounds and three blocks on the night. Jacquelyn Litle was a difference maker for the Jackets again as she tallied 17 points and four assists in just 18 minutes of action. Mandie White continued her consistent play, posting 14 points and seven rebounds for the Jackets.

The Yellow Jackets will play for the Adrian Tip-off Tournament title when they square off against the Adrian Bulldogs in the championship game beginning at 3:00 p.m.