Jackets Roll to 116-62 Victory Over Taylor-Fort Wayne

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance had five players reach double-figures in scoring and got 65 points from its bench, while blowing out Taylor University-Fort Wayne 116-62 on Wednesday, February 6.

The Jackets wasted no time gaining control of the game as Sarah Bird scored seven points in the first two minutes of the game, keying DC’s 11-0 run over that span. Defiance continued to pour it on throughout the first ten minutes of the game as Elisa Hickman’s three-pointer gave the Jackets a 38-14 advantage with 10:12 remaining in the opening period.

DC’s pressure proved to be too much for the Lady Falcons to handle as Defiance forced 21 turnovers in the period. The Jackets took advantage of those mishaps, scoring 29 points off of turnovers in the first half alone. DC went

into the locker room with a 58-28 lead after shooting 48 percent from the field in the period.

The second half was much like the first as Defiance outscored Taylor-Fort Wayne 58-34 in the half, shooting at a 50 percent clip in the final stanza. DC dominated the battle of the boards, outrebounding the Lady Falcons 55-34 with 28 of those boards coming off the offensive glass. The team also recorded a season-high 27 assists and 26 steals, while turning the ball over just 13 times.

Bird finished the contest with a game-high 17 points, while Courtney Schmersal came off the bench to drop in 14 points for Defiance. Amber Bailey recorded her eighth double-double of the season, pulling down a career-high 17 rebounds to go along with her 11 points. Katie Carunchia and Sara Jacobs each came off the bench to reach double-figures for DC, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively. Hickman and Kim Zura each had solid games for the Jackets as Hickman finished with seven points and five assists, while Zura ended the night with four points, four assists and four steals.

Defiance (8-11) returns to action on Saturday, February 9 when it travels to Terre Haute, Ind. for a HCAC matchup with Rose-Hulman. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.