Gerding’s double-double sets pace in DC win

DEFIANCE, Ohio—The Defiance College Lady Jackets, led by Meta Gerding’s 17 points and 11 rebounds, ran-away from the Manchester College Spartans, 75-50, at the Weaner Center on Wednesday night.

The Jacket defense held MC to 31% shooting from the floor and got additional offensive help from Kelly VanderHorst, who poured in a season and game-high 21 points while Meghann Savard added 15 points. Kara Jones dished out five assists, while Freshman Sarah Bird added four. The Spartans were led by Erica Sewell’s 14 points and nine boards.

The home team jumped out to their first double-digit lead when Savard scored in the paint on an assist from Kara Jones at the 12:18 mark of the first half. Defiance would push that lead to 20 points as Savard was fouled and sank one-of-two with a minute and a half remaining in the first period.

Starting the second stanza, the Spartans kept the game within reach on four quick points by Sewell. The Lady Jackets would put the game out of reach as VanderHorst nailed a triple in transition to make the score 60-37 with nine minutes to go.

The Lady Jackets gave up 12 offensive rebounds to MC, but outrebounded the Spartans in the game, 35-34. Kayla Mengerink chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and three assists for DC.

Defiance improves to 6-7 on the season with a 2-1 mark in the HCAC, while the Spartans sit at 7-8 on the year with an 0-3 HCAC record.

The Lady Jackets return to action when they travel to Mount St. Joseph on Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off with the Lions.