Lady Jackets top century mark in second straight win
Nick Williams, Assistant SID

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College Lady Jacket Basketball Team win a thriller in overtime against Berea College Saturday afternoon by the final score 101-96.

At the beginning of the game, DC had a little difficulty in adjusting to the style of play that Berea presented, as the team consistently pressed the entire game, frequently substituted five players at a time, and shot the ball primarily from behind the arc. Berea quickly jumped out to a 6-0 lead on two three-pointers. DC would tie the game at six at the 15-minute mark, but would fall behind by 10 over the next five minutes. The Yellow Jackets took a one point lead with 4:47 left to play, going on a 16-5 run to make the score 31-30. Yet the Mountaineers would take a four-point advantage entering the second half.

Defiance was able to come out the gates strong in the second period, crashing the boards and contesting shots. In the first nine minutes of the half, the game saw five ties and nine lead changes. Both teams aggressively pursue the ball, none more apparent than at the 10:40 mark. Allison Ramsay and another Berea player both pursued a loose ball off of a missed three-pointer when the two collided. Meghann Savard eventually grabbed the rebound and made the outlet pass to Erica Franks who converted the fast break opportunity, giving DC a 64-63 lead. However, all eyes were on Ramsay, as she remained on the floor with what appeared to be a neck injury. She would be carted off the floor and taken to the local hospital. Though she did not return to the game, she was released from the hospital and did come back to the Weaner Center at the end of the game.

At the resumption of the game, Savard would add a lay-up to give DC a three point advantage. Berea would erase the lead, tying the game at 73 with six minutes left to play. Defiance jumped back on top 79-73 after baskets by Savard, Megan Myers, and Kayla Mengerink. Yet a Mountaineer jumper, three free throws, and a trey later, the Jackets found themselves behind by two with a little over a minute to play. In the final minute of the half, Sarah Bird found her way to the line off of a dribble drive. Bird would sink the two free throws that eventually would send the game into overtime tied at 81. DC had a chance to end the game in regulation, but could not connect on a three-pointer or a 12-foot jumper on the baseline.

In the extra period, the Lady Jackets came out with the hot hand, as DC took a five-point lead off of a three by Melissa Headley and a lay-up by Savard. DC never trailed in OT, and at one-point led by as many as 13. The Mountaineers could not cut the lead closer than four in the period, and would have to resort to fouling to bring them back in the game. In spite of that, the Jackets managed to hit six of their last eight free throw shots to ice the game, with Savard hitting the one that gave DC its 100th point of the game.

Savard, the Hubbard Co./PRO REHAB Classic MVP, came through for the Yellow Jackets in a major way, posting season-highs in points and rebounds. The senior forward posted her second double-double of the season with 33 points and 23 rebounds. Bird, who was also named to the All-Classic team, finished the game with 23 points and six rebounds, Myers had another solid all-around performance with nine points, eight rebounds, and six assists. The floor general Erica Franks also scored in double figures with 13 to go along with five assists.

The Lady Jackets play home next Wednesday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m. against Adrian College.