Pioneers Topple Defiance to Remain Perfect in Conference

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The DC volleyball team was defeated in four-sets on Saturday evening by the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference first place Transylvania Pioneers. The Jackets claimed the first set 25-22 before dropping the next three by scores of 25-20, 25-19 and 25-18.

The Purple and Gold came out firing on all cylinders in the opening frame, as Defiance jumped out to a quick 16-10 lead. The Pioneers fought back in the set, leveling the score at 17-17 before DC used an 8-5 run to grab an early 1-0 set lead. The Jackets were led by junior hitter Chelsea Ludeman, who totaled four kills, two blocks and an ace in the opener.

Transylvania showed its resilience in the second stanza, as the Pioneers found themselves in an early 12-9 hole before rallying. Transy reeled off seven consecutive points to take a 16-12 advantage and held off DC to even the match at one set apiece.

The Pioneers never looked back after winning set number two, as Transylvania dictated play for the majority of the final two sets to improve its HCAC record to 5-0.

The Yellow Jackets were led by a trio of attackers in Ludeman, junior Alexis Pierce and sophomore Bree Anderson. Each player recorded double-digit kill totals and four or more blocks. Pierce led the team with 11 kills and five blocks, while Ludeman and Anderson each added 10 kills and four blocks. To go along with her strong performance at the net, Anderson also led the team in aces with four.

The loss moves Defiance's overall record to 13-10 and its conference record to 3-2. The Jackets have a quick turnaround, as DC is back on the court on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against HCAC opponent Hanover College. The match will be played in the newly renovated Karl H. Weaner Community Center.