Defiance vs Ohio Northern Box

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Sara Porter racked up 18 kills in 44 chances and also collected 10 digs and a pair of service aces on Tuesday night, but it was not enough to get Defiance past No. 13 Ohio Northern as the Polar Bears won 30-21, 30-24, 30-22.

The Jackets started out fast in the opening game as consecutive kills from Danyel Lipps and Lauren Aldridge propelled Defiance to a 3-1 lead. The advantage would be short lived however, as Ohio Northern went on a 9-2 rally to take control at 10-5. DC would never get closer than three the rest of the way, falling 30-21.

DC jumped out quick once again in the second set, rallying behind a pair of Porter kills to claim a 5-1 edge. The Polar Bears battled back to tie the game at 10-10 and then played even with DC to 18-18. Melissa Goodman then gave Northern the lead for good with a kill to spark a 12-6 rally to close out the 30-24 win.

Porter’s double-double match led Defiance, while Lipps posted eight kills, 14 digs and the lone block of the night for the Jackets. Kelsey Ferguson continued her strong play with 30 assists and Ashton Judis scooped up eight digs.

Ohio Northern was paced by 17 kills from Laura Vuyk, as she was the lone Polar Bear in double figures.

Defiance (4-11, 2-0 HCAC) will look to keep its perch atop the Heartland Conference standings when it welcomes Franklin to the Weaner Community Center on Thursday night at 7:00 pm.