DC splits Friday with straight-set win and 3-1 fall

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Defiance College split the day Friday in the Michiana Mayhem Tournament at Indiana South Bend after defeating the Titans in straight sets and falling to the Marian Knights 3-1. 

Game 1: Defiance 3, IU South Bend 0

(25-22, 25-18, 25-19)

This story will be updated.

Game 2: Defiance 1, Marian 3

(20-25, 25-23, 20-25, 24-26) 

In the opening set, Marian's attack gave the Knights early momentum. Defiance struggled offensively with just eight kills on 29 swings (.069), while Marian hit .222. Despite a late push, the Yellow Jackets dropped the set 25-20.

Defiance bounced back in the second frame with its sharpest performance of the match, hitting an impressive .316 as a team. Junior outside hitter Chaney Brodbeck sparked the offense with six kills in the set, while sophomore setter Haley Hammer spread the ball efficiently with 16 assists on the match. The Yellow Jackets edged out a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece.

The Knights regained control in the third, using strong play at the net to limit Defiance to seven kills. Marian's Sarah Bennett and Chloe Cook chipped in timely points, while the team posted 16 kills overall to retake the lead with a 25-20 win.

The fourth set was a thriller, with both sides trading points deep into extra play. Brodbeck and junior outside hitter Gabby Rodriguez kept Defiance alive offensively, combining for nearly half of the team's kills. Despite holding off several set points, the Yellow Jackets fell just short, 26-24, as Marian sealed the 3–1 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Chaney Brodbeck led the Yellow Jackets' attack with 15 kills on a .325 hitting percentage, also adding six digs.

• Gabby Rodriguez contributed eight kills and 13 digs, along with two service aces for 11 total points.

• Haley Hammer paced the offense with 16 assists while also chipping in three digs and a block.

• Kylie Yoder anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs and served four aces – her career-highs in both categories.

• Jaelyn Tomoletz made her presence felt at the net with three kills, two solo blocks and a block assist.

UP NEXT

Defiance College will travel to Bethel for another back-to-back match day against Grace and Bethel at Wiekamp Athletic Center. The matches will begin at 9 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., respectively. 

-JACKETS-