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Entering the second half in a six-point hole, the Lady Jackets chipped away at the deficit, making it a 35-34 game in favor of Tri-State at the 14:50 mark. Although DC could not overtake the lead throughout most of the half, the Jackets were able to stay in game, never trailing by more than six and tying the game four times over the span of the next 11 minutes.
Things started to turn around for the Jackets at the 2:44 mark, when DC was able to take a 56-55 lead on two Sarah Grime free throws. Another Grime free throw and a layup by Kayla Mengerink gave DC a three-point advantage with 1:15 to play. However, Sarah Howe sank a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 59 with one minute left in the game.
On the next Jacket possession, Katie McNamara would emerge as one of the heroines for DC as she put the Jackets ahead with a layup. With Tri-State moving the ball, DC was able to make a crucial defensive stop, forcing a jumpball with the possession arrow in DC’s direction, giving the Jackets the ball back with 12 seconds left to play. Sarah After a Thunder foul, Grime went back to line for two, where she hit the first but missed the second, with the Thunder grabbing the ensuing rebound. On the Thunder’s final possession, Stephanie Lieto came through with a clutch steal with a second left to seal the victory.
Mandy White had a her best game of the early season, leading all scorers with 20 while grabbing eight rebounds and adding three steals. Mengerink chipped in with eight points, five assists, and three rebounds. Grime added six points off the bench, going 6-8 from the charity stripe.
The win moves DC to 3-0 for the first time since the 2003-04 season when the Lady Jackets rang off wins in their first five games.
Defiance (3-0) gets to rest up over the Thanksgiving break as the Lady Jackets kick off HCAC action next Wednesday when the team hits the road to take on Manchester College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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