Jackets Storm into DC Invitational Title Match with Pair of Wins

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College volleyball team opened its 12-Annual DC Invitational on Friday with a pair of wins over Concordia and Siena Heights. The Jackets will play Marygrove on Saturday at 11:00 am, before battling for the tournament championship at 3:00 pm.

The Jackets started slowly against Concordia, dropping the first two sets to the Cardinals by the scores of 25-17 and 25-18, before rallying to win the next six sets. Three of those came against Concordia, as DC narrowly stayed alive with a 28-26 victory in the third set and then scored 25-20 and 15-11 wins in the final two sets.

Jessica Tietje led the charge with 15 kills in the come-from-behind victory, while adding 12 digs and a pair of blocks. Alexis Pierce also cracked double figures with 11 kills in 25 swings and chipped in four blocks. Christa Seidenstricker bolstered the defensive unit with a match-high 26 digs and Alicia Kalik tossed up 39 assists to go along with six kills, 11 digs, one block and an ace.

Defiance continued its strong play in the final match of the night, taking care of Siena Heights in straight sets to stand alone as the only unbeaten team after the opening day of action. DC edged SHU in all three sets, winning by counts of 26-24, 25-23 and 25-21.

The Jackets only managed 29 kills in the contest, but racked up 40 digs and 13 total blocks in the all-around team effort. Marlea Rolander paced Defiance up front, recording eight blocks and six kills in only 12 attempts. Chelsea Ludeman and Stephanie Wilson each chipped in with seven kills and Seidenstricker shined once again with 14 digs to lead all players.

Defiance (2-4) will look to continue its solid play beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday. The day's first match will feature Siena Heights and Concordia in a 9:00 am start. The winner of that match will then take on DC at 3:00 pm for the championship.