DC Drops HCAC Opener to Anderson

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance was unable to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit, falling to Anderson University 85-66 in the HCAC opener for both schools.

Playing on the road for the first this season, the Jackets stormed out of the gate to take an early lead. Mandy White, in her first game back from injury, scored off a feed from Elisa Hickman to give DC a 7-0 advantage just over three minutes into the contest. That’s when the offense stalled for Defiance. Anderson scored the next 20 points of the game over a five minute span to take control of the game.

Trailing 24-8 Defiance tried to climb its way back into the game. Sarah Bird scored six consecutive points to help spark a 10-2 spurt by the Jackets that narrowed the gap to 26-18 with over eight minutes to play in the first half.

DC would get no closer as the Ravens used a 10-0 run to regain control, never letting the lead slip under 13 points.

Anderson shot a blazing 49 percent from the field, while limiting the Jackets to 38 percent shooting for the game. For the first time this season DC was unable to get to the line more than its opponent, allowing the Ravens 30 trips to the charity stripe and attempting only 18 free throws. Defiance was unable to control the glass, getting outrebounded 48-32 during the game.

Amber Bailey had a breakout performance for the Jackets leading the team, picking up career-highs in points (11), rebounds (9) and blocks (5). Bird led all scorers with 17 points to go along with five boards and three assists. White finished the day with 11 points shooting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while Hickman added eight points and three assists for Defiance.

Defiance (1-2) will return to the Karl H. Weaner Center on Wednesday, December 5, when it hosts rival Bluffton University in HCAC action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.