Balanced Attack Earns Road Win for Lady Jackets

ANDERSON, Ind. – Five Lady Yellow Jackets scored at least seven points as Defiance went on the road to beat Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent Anderson, 55-50. Freshman Megan Zachrich led Defiance, now 2-2 in the HCAC, with 11 points.

The two teams came out of the gate evenly matched, as neither side could take more than a four-point advantage through the first seven minutes of action. With the score tied 11-11, Defiance used a quick 10-2 surge to gain the first sizable lead of the first half, 21-13. Zachrich connected on a three-point play to start the rally, while Erica King added five points during the run. 

The lead did not last long, as Anderson stormed back to take a late lead on a Brittany Stafford trey. The two sides went into half-time with Anderson leading 27-26.

The Lady Yellow Jackets came out of the break and regained the lead, 35-34, on a Hannah Harshman layup with 13:14 left on the clock. Anderson momentarily tied to game, 39-39, several possessions later, but a quick 6-0 spurt at 11:16 put the Jackets over the top. DC never relinquished the lead after the run.

King ensured the Jackets came home with a victory by blocking a potentially game-tying three pointer by Amy Wuestefeld with 13 seconds remaining. Brooke Zachrich grabbed the rebound and sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds.

Megan Zachrich's 11 points set a career-best for the freshman. She shot five-of-six from the floor, and stuffed the box score with five steals, four assists and four rebounds. Harshman and junior Kim Comden both ended the contest with 10 points. Comden grabbed a game-best eight rebounds.

King finished with eight points, three rebounds and three assists. Junior Rachel Ciminillo chipped in with seven points, five rebounds and two steals.

Anderson was led by Wuestefeld's 13 points, while Stafford added nine points.

With the win, Defiance improves to 4-6 overall and 2-2 in the HCAC. Anderson falls to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in league action.

The Purple and Gold return to the court on Wednesday, December 21 when it travels to Alma for a non-conference game. It will be the last game before an extended holiday break for the Lady Yellow Jackets. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 pm.