Defiance vs Thomas More Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Danyel Lipps smacked down 15 kills and collected 14 digs for her eighth career double-double performance, but the Yellow Jackets fell by a 3-2 margin to Thomas More at the Wittenberg Invitational to open their 2007 season.

Thomas More jumped out to a quick two sets to none lead after winning the opening games 30-24 and 30-18. Defiance then pulled out a pair of 30-25 victories to force a decisive fifth set, before falling by a 15-10 count.

Lipps led DC with a team-high 15 kills, while Lauren Aldridge contributed 14 kills of her own and freshman Sara Porter went for 14 kills, 10 digs and six blocks.

Fellow freshman Heather Bradshaw paced the Yellow Jacket defense with 24 digs, while Ashton Judis and Kelsey Ferguson combined to dish out 35 assists.

Yet another freshman turned in a solid night as Julie Brunsman joined Nicole Williams in picking up a trio of service aces.

Defiance (0-1) will be back in action on Saturday for a pair of contests. The Jackets will play No. 2 Wittenberg at noon, before playing Centre at 2:00 pm.