Jackets Climb to Second in HCAC with Sweep at Franklin

FRANKLIN, Ind. – Defiance College won for the fifth time in its last six matches with a convincing straight-set victory at Franklin on Saturday afternoon. The win moves the Jackets into a three-way tie for second place in the conference standings. 

Defiance notched its second-straight sweep of a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe with the 25-14, 25-16, 25-13 triumph over the Grizzlies. DC followed its .322 hitting performances against Earlham on Wednesday with a .303 clip in the three-set sweep against Franklin (3-18, 0-3 HCAC). 

Marlea Rolander, Chelsea Ludeman and Christa Seidenstricker led the crisp attack with seven kills each, helping the Jackets slam 35 kills and just eight errors in 89 attempts. Kelsey Ferguson ran the offense with 19 assists, while Sara Porter and Heather Bradshaw combined for 27 digs in the victory. 

Defiance (9-11, 2-1 HCAC) will lock up with Mount St. Joseph (12-6, 3-0 HCAC) when it plays next on October 10. First place in the conference will be on the line when the two teams face off at 1:00 pm. DC will then play a non-conference clash against Thomas More at 2:30 pm.