Volleyball Streak Subdued in Midweek Action

ANN ARBOR, MICH. - The Defiance College volleyball team, coming off three straight wins, took their momentum to Concordia University on Wednesday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets were defeated by the Cardinals 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-20). 

The opening set saw the sides locked in a tight battle through the majority of the set. Ultimately, a string of five points reeled off by the Cardinals gave the home side the advantage needed to secure the opener. 

A much different second set saw the foes battle to the wire. Back-and-forth scoring had the scoreboard reading 18-18 as it came down to crunch time. Kills from Riley Davis (Onsted, Mich / Onsted) and Jessi Davis (Delta / Delta) had DC leading by just two before the Cardinals grabbed the remaining six points to secure the second set. 

A similar third set saw the hosts once again take control with a late lead. Down 17-20, a Delaney Monnin (Defiance / Tinoara) kill looked to spark a Yellow Jacket comeback but high powered offense from the Cardinals closed out the match with a 25-20 third set score. 

Offensively, Defiance was led by Mackenzie Benham (Marshall, Mich. / Marshall) who tallied 14 kills on 31 attacks. Brianna Wheeler (Sturgis, Mich. / Sturgis) provided 16 assists in the defeat while also recording six digs. Morgan Porter (Defiance / Defiance) managed another double-digit dig performance by earning 25. Kennedy Jefferey (Port Clinton / Mowhawk) got in on the dig action with 11 of her own.

Defiance's recorded now stands at 3-2 heading into an action packed weekend. The Yellow Jackets will head to the Penn St.-Behrend Invitational where they will open up against Westminster at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 6.