Lady Jackets fall on the road to Franklin 52-62

--Franklin, Ind. – Senior Kelly VanderHorst’s 14-point effort was not enough to push the Defiance College Women’s basketball team past host Franklin College. The Lady Jackets fell, 52-62, in Heartland Conference action Saturday afternoon at the Spurlock Center.

After posting a 28-27 halftime advantage, DC jumped out to a 34-29 advantage with 18:21 remaining in the second period behind two VanderHorst free throws and a Meghann Savard jumper. FC answered with a 14-0 run over the next 7:41 and also held the Lady Jackets scoreless during that time to push their advantage to 43-34 with 10:44 remaining in the game.

VanderHorst's 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting led the way for DC while she also ripped-down four caroms and three steals on the afternoon. Savard and freshman Kayla Mengerink each netted 10 points for the Purple and Gold with Savard grabbing a game-high eight boards. Senior Meta Gerding dished out a team-high three dimes to go along with seven points and seven rebounds.

Franklin held the edge in most categories as they gained a 36-28 advantage on the boards, including 15 offensive rebounds, as well as forcing 24 Defiance miscues compared to only 14 by the Grizzlies.

With the loss Defiance falls to 5-7 overall and 1-1 in the HCAC, while Franklin improves to 11-2 on the season and 2-0 in the loop. The Lady Jackets will return to action on Wednesday, January 12, as they play host to the visiting Spartans of Manchester. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.