Jackets Drop Two Matches in Final Day of Gargoyle Classic

CHICAGO – The Defiance College volleyball team wrapped up the second and final day of the Gargoyle Classic in Chicago. The day did not go as planned for the Purple and Gold, as the Jackets lost matches against No. 18 Mount Union and Carroll. Saturday marks the first time all season DC has lost two matches in one day.

The Jackets were unable to start the day on the right foot, as Defiance faced OAC powerhouse Mount Union in match one. The Jackets were swept in three straight sets by the Raiders. The set scores were 25-14, 25-19 and 25-16. The match marked the first time all season that DC was unable to reach 20 points in any set.

The Jackets were led by junior Alexis Pierce in match one. The junior totaled 10 kills and two blocks in the contest. The defense was led by senior Lindsay McDaniel who recorded a team-high 18 digs.

Match two started much better for the Purple and Gold, as Defiance won the first set over Carroll by a score of 25-19. However, the success would be short lived, as the Jackets were unable to sustain their level of play. The Pioneers regrouped and won the next three sets and the match by a final of 3-1.

Defiance was led by sophomore setter Alicia Kalik in the second match of the day. Kalik went over the 40-assist mark for the third time this season with 43. The sophomore also added two kills, nine digs and three blocks. Pierce led the Jackets in kills with 15, while sophomore Bree Anderson chipped in with 14 of her own.

The loss drops Defiance's record to 9-8 on the season. The Jackets return home to begin conference play against Earlham on Wednesday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. The match will be played at Defiance High School.