Yellow Jackets fall short at home on Saturday

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Saturday's contest featuring the Defiance College Yellow Jackets and the Cornerstone Golden Eagles went the opposing team's way as the Blue and Gold took a 71-33 win at Karl H. Weaner Center.  

Two-consecutive baskets put the Yellow Jackets (3-21, 1-16 WHAC) on top 4-0 out of the gate. The next five minutes belonged to the Golden Eagles (12-12, 11-5 WHAC) beginning with a dagger 3-pointer to bring it to a 1-point game. With a 13-4 score at the 3:09 mark of the first quarter, Katlin Barrett settled into the game for Defiance, launching in a long 2-pointer. In the final two minutes, two crucial fouls sent Cornerstone's Stephanie Ainsworth to the line as she went 4-for-4, contributing to a 21-8 Golden Eagles lead heading into the second quarter. 

The second period began opposite the first with five Cornerstone points. Barrett and Taylor Haynes notched back-to-back buckets to give their team a boost until another Jacket foul sent Ainsworth back to the line. This time, however, she made 1-of-2, though that set the tone for eight-straight away-team points – two of which resulted from DC turnovers. Candyce Hollins and Jourdyn Wynn collaborated and rounded out the half with six combined points, 42-17 Golden Eagles. 

Cornerstone's Mackenzie Goodwin fouled Haynes, which sent her to the line for two points. Hollins hit her second three of the day to slim the opposing team's lead to 20. Fifteen-consecutive Golden Eagles points went on the board until two more good Haynes free-throw buckets dropped. The remainder of the game followed the same trend. 

The fourth quarter featured six Yellow Jacket points from Haynes and Hollins. The freshman duo combined for 24 on the day. 

THE TURNING POINT

Defiance made a statement in the first three minutes of play, scoring quickly. As the next four minutes of the first quarter ticked off the clock, Cornerstone was able to bounce back and build a nine-point lead. The Yellow Jackets drilled two more shots, however, in the meantime, the Golden Eagles were fighting to increase their lead, which ultimately continued throughout the game.  

A CLOSER LOOK

• For just the third time this season, Candyce Hollins led the team in scoring with 14 points. She also tacked on three rebounds and a block. 

• In the back half of the season, Katlin Barrett has worked her way into the lineup with four-consecutive starts. On Saturday, she contributed two long-range jumpers

• Compared to the last time out versus Cornerstone on Dec. 7, 2024 Defiance forced 10 more turnovers (17 compared to seven)

• DC was aggressive at the backboard with 10 second-chance points, despite losing the rebound battle 57-35

• The Jackets limited Cornerstone's leading scorer to just nine points; Jaxi Long averages 18.4

• Taylor Haynes led the team's rebounders with six

UP NEXT

The Jackets will take a week off before heading to Aquinas on Feb. 15. This matchup will be Defiance's second time meeting the Saints this season, as on Dec. 13, 2024, Aquinas snagged the win 70-39. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. and the men's game will follow. 

-JACKETS-