Kalik, Rolander Power Jackets to Win in HCAC Opener

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College volleyball team earned a dramatic win over Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Manchester College, 3-2 (18-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 15-11), Wednesday night.

The Jackets were boosted by huge nights from freshman setter Alicia Kalik and senior middle blocker Marlea Rolander. Kalik set the tone with a match-high 47 assists. The freshman also added eight kills on 13 attacks and chipped in 11 digs on the defensive end. Rolander finished the night with a team-best 16 kills on 32 swings and a team-high four blocks.

Defiance, which has now won eight of its last nine matches, was also aided by senior Jessica Tietje's 14 kills, while senior Meghan Hinds and sophomore Alexis Pierce hit double-digits with 10 kills. Freshman Jill Turner led Defiance with 14 digs.

The match featured 16 tie scores and six lead changes. Manchester was led by Amanda Dickman's 17 kills.

Defiance will take the court next on Friday, September 23rd when it travels to the Carnegie Mellon Tournament in Pittsburgh, Pa. The next HCAC game will be on the road on Wednesday, September 28th against Earlham at 7:00 pm.