Jackets Clinch Spot in HCAC Tournament with Senior Day Win

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Ashton Judis and Danyel Lipps played in front of a home crown for the final time of their collegiate careers on Sunday and helped Defiance post a 25-18, 25-17, 25-13 win against Franklin. The victory moved DC to 4-3 in league play and clinched a spot in the upcoming Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. 

The Yellow Jackets continued their strong play in the sweep of the Grizzlies, by hitting .378 as a team and posting seven team blocks and 54 digs, while holding Franklin to a .018 team percentage and just 25 kills. 

DC has now won eight-straight matches, with all but one coming via a 3-0 sweep. During that span the Jackets have hit .277 as a team and averaged 12.76 kills and 2.44 blocks per set. 

Those trends continued on Sunday, thanks to the hot hands of Sara Porter, Lipps and Marlea Rolander. The trio combined for 31 kills and only five miscues for a blistering .448 clip. Lipps added 14 digs for her 45th career double-double, Heather Bradshaw scooped up 13 digs, while Jessica Tietje and Michelle Sikora each recorded three block assists. 

Defiance improves to 21-9 overall with the win and will close out its 2009 regular season with a match at Bluffton on Tuesday at 7:00 pm. DC will then prepare for a run at the HCAC Championship when it begins the HCAC Tournament on November 7 hosted by the regular season champions.