DC Defeats Adrian, Falls to Hiram in Tourney Opening Day

MARIETTA, Ohio – The Defiance College volleyball team squared off against a familiar face on Friday evening, as the Jackets played Adrian College, which is led by previous DC head coach David Kwan. The Purple and Gold disposed of the Bulldogs in straight sets by scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-18.

The Yellow Jacket attack came out blazing in the opening set, as DC hitters converted 27 attempts into 16 kills, while only accumulating two attacking errors for a hitting efficiency of .519.

Defiance used its momentum from the opening frame to propel it to win the next two sets in convincing fashion, as the Jackets never allowed Adrian to reach 20 points in any set. The straight-set victory is the second on the season for the Purple and Gold.

Statistical leaders from the opener were junior Alexis Pierce and sophomore Alicia Kalik. Pierce led the DC attack with 14 kills on 33 attempts, while maintaining a hitting percentage over .300. Kalik continued her strong play in running the Jacket offense, as the sophomore totaled 33 assists, averaging out to 11 per set. Another notable Jacket performer was Katey McQueary, who led the team with three aces.

In the second match of the night the Purple and Gold faced off against a strong Hiram team that brought an impressive 9-2 record into the match. The Jackets went toe-to-toe with the Terriers in the first two sets, but were narrowly defeated by scores of 25-23 in each set.

Defiance refused to go give up and was able to rally back in the third set and win the frame 25-21. However, Hiram would put an end to the DC comeback in the fourth set, winning the frame by a score of 25-12.

Kalik had another stat-stuffing performance, as the sophomore recorded 47 assists, 11 digs and four kills. Pierce totaled 21 kills, her second highest total of the season. The junior has now delivered double-digit kill figures in 9-of-11 matches played on the year.

The evening split moves the Yellow Jackets' record to 7-4 on the season. Defiance has two tough tests in the final day of the tourney, as the Jackets are set to play two powerful teams in Trine and Ohio Wesleyan. The match against Ohio Wesleyan is set to start at 9:30 a.m. followed by Trine at 12:30 p.m.