Defiance Notches Non-Conference Win Over Adrian

DEFIANCE, OHIO – The Defiance College women's basketball team rang in the New Year with a win over non-conference opponent Adrian, Mich. on Saturday afternoon at the Karl H. Weaner Center, 80-65.

The Yellow Jackets (3-8 overall) used a combined team effort as they shot 30-of-61 (49.2 %) from the field, including 13-of-25 (52.0 %) from behind the arc.

Junior Lauren Rogers (Munger, Mich./Bay City Central) paced the way for the Purple and Gold with a career-high and game-high 20 points. Senior Mekai White (Cincinnati/Winton Woods) added 13 points, while senior Whitney Schalk (Bellevue) recorded a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 12 assists. 

DC climbed ahead early in the opening period as Rogers connected for back-to-back scores giving Defiance the 8-5 advantage midway through the first. The team continued its hot shooting as White dropped a ball from long range in the final seconds to put Defiance on top 16-9.

The Purple and Gold dominated much of the second period as freshman Kalyn Pickens (Fort Wayne, Ind./R. Nelson Snider) made her way into the scores column finishing back-to-back scores in the paint to extend the Defiance lead, 22-13. The Yellow Jackets continued its assault on the offensive end getting deep balls from White and Rogers with 3:38 remaining, 32-15. The Purple and Gold outscored the Bulldogs 20-10 in the second period for the 36-19 halftime advantage.

The Bulldogs refused to be tamed as they opened the second half on a 6-0 run to pull within 36-24. Adrian slowly kept chipping at the DC lead as a layup and one with 7:45 remaining cut the deficit to 38-29. The Purple and Gold looked to steal the momentum as Schalk delivered a three-pointer with 4:15 remaining to push the DC lead, 49-36. The attack from behind the arc continued for Defiance as Rogers dealt back-to-back transition three-pointers with 1:48 to play, 61-39. The Bulldogs notched the final blow of the period trailing 64-43.

However, the hot shooting continued for the Yellow Jackets deep into the final period as Rogers continued her career day delivering her fourth three of the contest with 6:53 remaining, 70-51. Adrian tried to rally once more using a small run late in the period that pulled them within 70-55. The Purple and Gold was able to weather the storm holding on for the 80-65 victory.

Defiance returns to action Wednesday, January 3 as they travel to Anderson, Ind. for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference match up. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.