Defiance Extends Unbeaten Set Streak to 12 in HCAC Win

MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Defiance College volleyball team continued its dominant play on Wednesday evening, as the Jackets traveled to Manchester, Ind. for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup against the Manchester Spartans. The Yellow Jackets picked up their fourth consecutive straight-set victory winning by scores of 25-18, 25-22, 25-22.

The Purple and Gold got off to a fast start for the fourth match in a row against the Spartans, as DC jumped out to a quick 20-11 lead. Manchester closed the gap to 21-16 before the Jackets closed out the opening frame 25-18. Leading the way in the opener was junior Chelsea Ludeman, who totaled four kills on only seven attempts.

The Spartans were better prepared for the second set, as Manchester led by a score of 19-16 midway through the stanza. DC rallied back by outscoring Manchester 9-3 to win the second 25-22. Sophomore Bree Anderson led the Jackets with four kills in the set.

Defiance was able to hold off the Spartan attack in the third set, as the Jackets built a small lead midway through the set and never relinquished it, winning by a score of 25-22. Anderson took over for the Purple and Gold in the third, as the sophomore recorded seven kills in only 10 attempts in the frame.

Anderson, the sophomore sensation, led the way for Defiance with 13 kills and a sparkling .500 attacking percentage. The sophomore has now recorded double-digit kill totals in nine matches on the year, including four of her last five.  Leading the Jacket defense was senior Lindsay McDaniel who totaled 15 digs.

The win keeps Defiance's conference record perfect at 3-0 and improves its season record to 13-8. The Jackets are now five matches over the .500 mark, its best of the season.

The Purple and Gold are back in action on Saturday, October 6, as the team travels to Mount St. Joseph for a pivotal HCAC showdown. The Jackets and Lions are currently the top two teams atop the conference standings. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.