Category: 2022-23

By: Brandon Unverferth 

Photography: Hanna Young

Football: Sat. Sept. 17

Kalamazoo 42 (3-0), Defiance 23 (0-2)

The Defiance College Yellow Jackets football team hosted the Kalamazoo College Hornets Saturday afternoon at Justin F. Coressel Stadium, for the first home game of the season. Yellow Jacket fans filled the stands and the weather forecast was clear, providing an excellent atmosphere for college football. After an opening drive punt for Defiance, Kalamazoo’s quarterback Josh Nichols (junior) fired a quick strike to wide receiver Andrew Widger (senior) for a 34-yard touchdown to give the Hornets a 7-0 early lead. Just prior to the 11-minute mark in the first quarter, Defiance sophomore kicker Zeke Sanchez provided the Yellow Jackets’ first points of the contest by flushing in a 10-yard field goal, to make it a 7-3 game. Following a quick three and out for the Hornets, Defiance senior quarterback Jordan Ambrose connected with senior tight end Cole Recker for a 5-yard touchdown, to give the Yellow Jackets a 10-7 lead with 1:28 left in the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets found themselves in the red zone at the Kalamazoo two-yard line, but senior quarterback Jordan Ambrose was unable to connect with sophomore Tawann Rome on two consecutive plays, which forced Defiance to hand the ball back to the Kalamazoo offense. Prior to halftime, Kalamazoo attempted a 10-yard field goal to try and tie the score at 10, but the Defiance special teams made a spectacular play to block the kick and maintain the Yellow Jackets’ 10-7 advantage into halftime. The third quarter was dominated by the Hornets as they separated themselves from the Yellow Jackets in the scoring column with a 28-7 point stretch, giving Kalamazoo a 35-17 lead going into the fourth quarter. In the end, the Kalamazoo Hornets defeated the Defiance College Yellow Jackets 42-23.

When senior tight end Cole Recker was asked by The Defender about what he thought the team learned from Saturday’s matchup, he expressed, “I think we improved in a lot of different aspects from Week 1. We showed what we can do on both sides of the ball, but we made some mistakes during important times. We have a lot to clean up but this is a completely different Defiance team this year. I think we are capable of much more than what we put on that field, but it will come.”

Women’s Soccer: Mon. Sept. 12 and Sat. Sept. 17

9/12: Defiance 7 (2-3), Penn State- Beaver 1 (0-2)

The Defiance College women’s soccer team traveled to Monaca, Pennsylvania, to take on the Penn State- Beaver Nittany Lions. The Yellow Jackets quickly made their way onto the scoreboard with a goal by sophomore Jocelyn Peterson at the 6-minute mark to give Defiance a 1-0 lead. Seven minutes later, junior Hallie Webb added her name to the scoring list, giving the Yellow Jackets a 2-0 advantage. Just before the 18-minute mark of the first half, junior Melissa Bixler added her name to the box score, helping Defiance stretch the early lead to 3. Four minutes later (21-minute mark), the Nittany Lions scored what would be their only goal of the contest, to cut the lead to 3-1. Just three minutes and fifty-two seconds into the second half, sophomore Ryan Lay put the Yellow Jackets back up by 3. Exactly nine minutes later, junior Hallie Webb scored her second goal of the contest, to give Defiance a 5-1 lead. At the 65-minute mark, junior Sarah O’ Shea joined the Yellow Jackets’ party, extending the Defiance lead to 6-1. Thirteen minutes later (78-minute mark), junior Bethany Lechenet scored the final goal of the contest for the Yellow Jackets, leading Defiance to a 7-1 victory.

When junior Bethany Lechenet was asked by The Defender about the team’s impressive victory, she expressed,“We went into the game this afternoon with a competitive mindset, wanting to bring home a win after the long weekend. Compared to Sunday’s loss, today was a great day for DCWS.“

9/17: Thiel 4 (2-2), Defiance 0 (2-4)

The Yellow Jackets women’s soccer team welcomed the Thiel College Tomcats to Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field on Saturday afternoon for a non-conference matchup. The Tomcats started the first half strong, with a goal in the ninth minute by junior Katie Aaron. Thiel added to their 1-0 advantage with a goal in the 38th minute by freshman Tessa Allison, to give the Tomcats a 2-0 lead into the halftime break. The Tomcats added two more goals to their total in the second half, with a goal in the 59th minute by sophomore Skylar Garlick and a goal in the 88th minute by junior Bailey Fritz. Senior Brianna Snider and junior Melissa Bixler each recorded one shot on goal for the Yellow Jackets.

Men’s Soccer: Wed. Sept. 14, Thurs. Sept. 15, and Sat. Sept. 17

9/14: Defiance 2 (1-1-3), Adrian College 1 (1-6)

The Yellow Jackets men’s soccer team hosted the Adrian College Bulldogs for a Wednesday afternoon battle at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field. Sophomore Will Gehlhausen sparked the Yellow Jackets squad early, as he netted a goal at the 5-minute mark to give Defiance a 1-0 lead. Will Gehlhausen attacked the goal once again towards the beginning of the second half (53-minute mark), where he scored his second goal of the contest. The Yellow Jackets kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard through the entire first half and most of the second half until Juan Tapia scored (via penalty kick) with just three minutes remaining in the match. Will Gehlhausen led Defiance with three shots during the contest and two goals, while senior goalkeeper Orry Killam had five saves.

“To top it off, we got this first win in front of our home crowd. There are not many things greater than that.“

– Sophomore Will Gehlhausen

When sophomore Will Gehlhausen was asked by The Defender about how he thinks the team will carry the momentum of this afternoon’s victory into tomorrow’s matchup and the weekend, he expressed, “Winning our first game of the season feels amazing. We have been working super hard in training, to get this first win off our chest. I think our team is not only going to build off this win, but things are really going to start clicking.“  

9/15: Baldwin Wallace 3 (5-0-1), Defiance 1 (1-2-3)

The Defiance College men’s soccer team traveled to Berea, Ohio, Thursday evening to take on the Baldwin Wallace University Yellow Jackets. Baldwin Wallace started off strong as they scored two goals in the opening 18 minutes, to take a 2-0 lead. Senior Nick Surowicz put one behind the net at the 6-minute mark and freshman Mike Kane scored at the 17-minute mark. Baldwin Wallace extended their lead to 3-0, six minutes before the end of the first half (39-minute mark), with a goal from freshman Max Yakym. Defiance started the second half with some urgency, however, as senior Joshua Maurer lowered the deficit to 3-1, with a goal at the 49-minute mark. Defiance continued to attack the net for the remainder of the second half, but in the end, Baldwin Wallace took the victory 3-1.

9/17: Wooster 6 (2-3-2), Defiance 0 (1-3-3)

The Yellow Jackets men’s soccer team traveled to Wooster, Ohio, Saturday afternoon to take on the Wooster College Fighting Scots. The Yellow Jackets struggled to find opportunities to score as they only managed to attempt three shots in the entire 90-minute contest. Senior Jeremy Jimenez and a duo of sophomores Jack Stanoikovich and Zak Klopfenstein, provided the three shot attempts for Defiance. Sophomore goalkeeper Zach Canterbury saw his first action of the season for the Yellow Jackets. Sophomore Max Wiley scored two of the six goals for Wooster, while senior Langston Hood, junior Kyle Stringer, sophomore Miles Rochester, and another sophomore Louis Sehr each scored one goal a piece. Wooster outshot Defiance 34-3.

Volleyball: Tues. Sept. 13 and Wed. Sept. 14

9/13: Trine 3 (4-4), Defiance 1 (1-9)

The Defiance College volleyball team traveled to Angola, Indiana, Tuesday evening for a showdown with the Trine University White Tigers. Trine started off “hot” taking the first seven points of the opening set. Freshman Abi Teders ended the White Tigers’ run, as she scored her first kill of the contest. Teders kill provided a spark for the Yellow Jackets, as they went on to score four straight points to cut the deficit to 7-4. Trine was not to be stopped in the opening set; however, as they took the victory 25-11. The second set was a thriller, as the Yellow Jackets and White Tigers went back and forth swapping the lead. The second set was definitely a “nail-bitter”, as Defiance at one point was feeling the set victory with a 24-21 lead, until Trine scored two straight kills to tighten the score. Two Yellow Jacket freshmen, Courtney Maxwell and Abi Teders, would battle back working together to seal the second set victory for Defiance 25-23. Defiance held the lead for the majority of the third set, before Trine finished with authority, as they ended on a 9-2 scoring run to take the third set 25-17 and take a 2-1 series lead. The White Tigers’ momentum carried into the fourth set, as they capped off the match with a 25-19 set victory. Freshman Abi Teders led the Yellow Jackets with seven kills, while sophomore Kendra Kline and freshman Jaelyn Tomoletz each contributed five.

9/14: Defiance 3 (2-9), Olivet College 0 (2-5)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team hosted the Olivet College Comets for a Wednesday night throwdown at the Karl H. Weaner Center. While the Yellow Jackets swept the Comets, Defiance definitely had to earn this one, as all three sets in this matchup came down to the wire. It was a bad set by the Comets, which secured the first set victory for Defiance 25-22. An attack error from Olivet in the second set provided the Yellow Jackets with a 25-20 set victory. The third and final set ended with a three-point scoring run for Defiance to give the Yellow Jackets a 25-20 set victory and a clean sweep of the match. Sophomore Kaylynn Wellman led Defiance with seven kills, while another sophomore Kendra Kline finished with a team-high 12 assists. Junior Hope Yost led the Yellow Jackets in the digs category with 18.

When junior Hope Yost was asked by The Defender about her thoughts on the team’s improvement so far this season, she expressed, “We had a heavy start to the volleyball season. We played seven highly competitive teams within the past seven days. Considering it is still early in our season, we have constantly been working on determining which lineup works best for our team. We have a lot of talent on this team, it is just a matter of putting it all together, to find a successful balance. Although we are still figuring things out, it felt good to finish our heaviest part of the season with a win.“

Home

Tuesday, Sept. 20

Men’s Soccer (1-3-3) vs Case Western Reserve University (3-1-2)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(4:00 pm)

Thursday, Sept. 22

Men’s Soccer (1-3-3) vs Olivet College (0-5-1)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(4:00 pm)

Saturday, Sept, 24

Women’s Soccer (2-4) vs Asbury University (0-5-1)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(1:00 pm)

Men’s Soccer (1-3-3) vs Asbury University (2-2-2)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(3:00 pm)

Sunday, Sept. 25

Women’s Soccer (2-4) vs Mount Mary University (0-5-1)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(12:00 pm)

Away

Thursday, Sept. 22

Volleyball (2-9) at Kalamazoo College (2-7)

(6:30 pm)

Friday, Sept. 23

Volleyball (2-9) at Wilmington College (5-10)

(6:30 pm)

Saturday, Sept. 24

Football (0-2) at Alfred State College (1-2)

(12:00 pm)

By: Brandon Unverferth 

Photography: Hanna Young

Volleyball: Wed. Sept. 7, Fri. Sept. 9, and Sat. Sept. 10

9/7: Heidelberg 3 (4-1), Defiance 0 (1-4)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team welcomed the Heidelberg Student Princes to the Karl H. Weaner Center Wednesday night. The crowd was “amped up“ for a midweek showdown and the Yellow Jackets matched the crowd’s energy. While the final results were not what the Yellow Jackets were hoping for, there are some positive aspects to take from this matchup. Junior Madison Schoenauer and Sophomore Kaylynn Wellman each led Defiance with eight kills. Freshman Jaelyn Tomoletz made her presence known, by adding seven kills and one block to the stat sheet.

9/9: Birmingham-Southern 3 (4-1), Defiance 0 (1-5) (Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team faced off against Birmingham-Southern College on Friday afternoon to kick off their first match of the Pam Briggs Classic weekend at Capital University. The Birmingham-Southern Panthers started off “hot” as they took a big eight-point lead at the beginning of set one 13-5. The Yellow Jackets kept the deficit within 7 for most of the first set, but the Panthers ended strong taking the set 25-13. The momentum continued to favor the Panthers throughout the second set, as they went on an incredible 14-point run, to end the set 25-6. Even with the 14-0 scoring run for the Panthers to end the second set, the Yellow Jackets continued to fight. The third set was a thriller as both teams went back and forth swapping the lead numerous times, but in the end, the Panthers captured the third set 25-19 to capture the victory. Sophomore Jamia Murray led the Yellow Jackets with five kills.

9/9: Capital 3 (3-4), Defiance 1 (1-6) (Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team wrapped up Friday’s action at the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University with a matchup against Capital. The Yellow Jackets used what they learned in the later stages of their matchup against Birmingham-Southern College, to capture the first set over Capital 25-22. Capital came storming back with a sense of vengeance, however, as they took the second set 25-19, third set 27-25, and fourth set 25-19. Capital boasted 48 kills in the contest compared to Defiance’s 35. Junior Madison Schoenauer led the Yellow Jackets with nine kills, while sophomore Kaylynn Wellman and freshman Abi Teders each contributed seven.

9/10: Thiel 3 (3-4), Defiance 2 (1-7) (Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team kicked off their final day of action at the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University with a matchup against the Thiel College Tomcats. The Yellow Jackets started off strong as they captured the first five points of the opening set. The Tomcats then had their own mini-scoring run, as they shortened the deficit to 5-4. The Yellow Jackets went back and forth with the Tomcats for the remainder of the set before Defiance captured the set victory 25-21. In the second and third sets, Thiel showed a sense of urgency as they secured set two 25-18 and set three 25-13, to take a 2-1 match lead. The Yellow Jackets had a quick conversation following set three and it paid off, as they went on to force the match to a fifth set by winning set four 25-22. With everything on the line, the Yellow Jackets and the Tomcats would swap the lead numerous times, but in the end, Thiel created just enough separation to take the victory by winning the fifth set 15-12. Sophomore Kaylynn Wellman led the Yellow Jackets with 15 kills, while freshman Abi Teders contributed 12 kills and freshman Jaelyn Tomoletz scored 10.

9/10: Otterbein 3 (8-0), Defiance 0 (1-8) (Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team wrapped up their Pam Briggs Classic weekend at Capital University with a showdown against the Otterbein University Cardinals. Defiance started off the match showing consistency, as they would keep the score within reach before the Cardinals ended on a 5-2 scoring run to take the opening set 25-18. The Yellow Jackets tried to follow suit with a scoring run leading to victory in the middle of the second set, as they went on a 7-1 scoring run. Immediately following the Defiance scoring run, Otterbein kicked it up a notch and squeaked by for the second-set victory 25-23. The Yellow Jackets led the third set at one point 13-11 before Otterbein once again pushed forth a scoring run that led to a set victory, as they went on a 6-1 scoring run, leading to a 25-20 third set score in favor of the Cardinals.

Men’s Soccer: Wed. Sept. 7, Sat. Sept. 10, and Sun. Sept. 11

9/7: (Tie) Defiance 2 (0-0-2), Wilmington 2 (2-1-1)

The Yellow Jackets men’s soccer team traveled to Wilmington College to take on the Quakers. Freshman Jeremy Fuller got the scoring started for the Yellow Jackets, finding the back of the net in the 24th minute to give Defiance an early lead 1-0. Just six minutes later (30-minute mark) sophomore Elorm Dogbey for Wilmington took advantage of a Defiance penalty and tied the game at 1. At the 36-minute mark, senior Kaden Pirrwitz scored for Defiance which gave the Yellow Jackets a 2-1 advantage. With less than 20 minutes left in the 2nd half, Elorm Dogbey once again found the back of the net for Wilmington to tie the game. Both teams would try to regain the lead with several shot attempts, but in the end, the game would end in a draw 2-2.

“I believe a tie won’t cut it with the mentality of the squad come Saturday. It is never satisfying to end in a draw, but the men played with a chip on their shoulder tonight.“ – Noah Svanberg Men’s Soccer Student Manager

When Student Manager Noah Svanberg was asked by The Defender about the possible mindset change after starting the season with two straight ties, he expressed, “The boys are already thinking about the fine-tuning that needs to be done for Saturday’s trip to Mount Union.”

9/10: Mount Union 3 (2-1-1), Defiance 2 (0-1-2) (Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University)

The Defiance College men’s soccer team faced off against the Mount Union University Raiders Saturday afternoon to kick off the Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University. Through nearly 37 minutes of play, both teams remained scoreless, until Mount Union senior Omar Najjar capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead. Yellow Jackets senior Chase Stiner knocked in a goal to open the second half (52nd minute) to tie the match at 1. The Yellow Jackets were able to keep the Raiders scoreless in the second half up until the midpoint of the 75th minute when graduate student Rylan Wikle scored to give Mount Union a 2-1 lead. Three minutes later (78-minute mark) senior Chase Stiner punched in his second goal of the contest to tie things up at 2. With four and a half minutes left in regulation, the Yellow Jackets suffered heartbreak as Mount Union junior Jamon McCort netted the game-winner from 15 yards out to give the Raiders the 3-2 match victory.

9/11: (Tie) Defiance 1 (0-1-3), Waynesburg 1 (2-2-1) (Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University)

The Defiance College Yellow Jackets men’s soccer team wrapped up the Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University with a matchup against the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets. Waynesburg started off with a quick strike at the 8-minute mark, to take the 1-0 lead. The Defiance College Yellow Jackets exchanged shots with Waynesburg for the remainder of the first half, but nobody was able to put one in the net. This changed in the early stages of the second half, as Defiance sophomore Will Gelhausen tied the game at 1, with a goal at the 50-minute mark. Both teams exchanged shots thereafter, but in the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This was the third draw of the season for the Defiance College Yellow Jackets and the first for Waynesburg.

Women’s Soccer: Wed. Sept. 7 and Sun. Sept. 11

9/7: Heidelberg 9 (1-1-1), Defiance 0 (1-2)

The Yellow Jackets women’s soccer team traveled east to Tiffin, Ohio, to take on the Heidelberg University Student Princes at Hoernemann Stadium. Following a six-goal first half for the Student Princes and a scoreless half for the Yellow Jackets, the deficit seemed only to continue to grow in the second half. The Yellow Jackets struggled to put up shots, which in the end, provided Heidelberg with a greater opportunity to extend their lead. Sophomore Lexi Coward recorded the only shot attempt for Defiance in the contest. 

9/11: Bethany 7 (4-0-1), Defiance 1 (1-3)

The Defiance College women’s soccer team traveled to Bethany, West Virginia, to take on the Bethany College Bisons on Sunday afternoon. The Bisons struck early scoring twenty-nine seconds into the match off the foot of freshman Jada Benjamin. Bethany’s offensive continued to stay “hot“ as they scored an additional trio of goals to make it 4-0 Bisons, before the 9-minute mark of the first half. The Yellow Jackets were able to find the back of the net shortly before the first half expired, as junior Sierra Worrell scored shortly after the 40-minute mark. Freshman Morgan Keelan for the Bisons earned her first hat trick of the season scoring three of Bethany’s seven goals in the contest. 

“Being able to recognize the continued efforts and motivation in the eyes of lower classmen is definitely something that I am excited to see as we edge closer to beginning conference play.”

– Senior Brianna Snider, Women’s Soccer

When senior Brianna Snider was asked by The Defender about the team’s mindset following a 7-1 defeat, she expressed, “I thought we played with a lot of aggressiveness and composure throughout the 90 minute contest today, despite the score. We never gave up and really played hard the whole match.”

Men’s Golf: Thurs. Sept. 8 at Lourdes University (Lourdes Invitational)

The Defiance College men’s golf team traveled to Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, on Thursday morning for the Lourdes Invitational. The Yellow Jackets sent a quartet of golfers to participate. Sophomore Damien Martinez led the way for the Yellow Jackets with an 80th place finish (110). while sophomore Zach Canterbury finished 81st (111). sophomore Payton Switzer finished 82nd (120), and junior Will Garlock finished 83rd (165). The Yellow Jackets finished 12th out of 12 teams, with the Madonna University Crusaders taking the victory.

HOME

Wednesday, Sept. 14

Men’s Soccer (0-1-3) vs Adrian College (1-4)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(4:00 pm)

Volleyball (1-8) vs Olivet College (2-4)

Location: Karl H. Weaner Center

(6:30 pm)

Saturday, Sept. 17

Football (0-1) vs Kalamazoo College (2-0)

Location: Justin F. Coressel Stadium

(1:30 pm)

Women’s Soccer (1-3) vs Thiel College (1-0)

Location: Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field

(3:00 pm)

Away

Monday, Sept. 12

Men’s Golf at Concordia University

(9:00 am)

Women’s Soccer (1-3) at Penn State- Beaver University (0-1)

(3:00 pm)

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Men’s Golf at Concordia University

(9:00 am)

Volleyball (1-8) at Trine University (3-4)

(6:30 pm)

Thursday, Sept. 15

Men’s Soccer (0-1-3) at Baldwin Wallace University (3-0-1)

(6:15 pm)

Friday, Sept. 16

Women’s Cross Country at Michigan State University

(11:00 am)

Men’s Cross Country at Michigan State University

(11:40 am)

Saturday, Sept. 17

Women’s Golf at Manchester University (Spartan Invitational)

(10:00 am)

Men’s Soccer (0-1-3) at Wooster College (0-3-2)

(3:00 pm)

Sunday, Sept. 18

Women’s Golf at Manchester University (Spartan Invitational)

(9:00 am)

By: Brandon Unverferth 

Photography: Hanna Young

Women’s Soccer: Thursday Sept. 1 and Sunday Sept. 4th

9/1: Defiance 9, Andrews 0

The Yellow Jackets women’s soccer team opened their season with a trip to Berrien Springs, Michigan, to take on the Andrews University Cardinals. The Yellow Jackets started off with a “bang“, as they dominated the box score 9-0! Just 40 seconds into the game, senior Brianna Snider knocks in a goal, for her first of three goals in the contest. At the 30-minute mark, junior Melissa Bixler knocks in a goal and, shortly after, splashes in another goal at the 33-minute mark. Junior Sarah O’Shea puts in three goals in the 2nd half alone, at minute marks 62, 85, and 87; meanwhile, another junior Hallie Webb snags a piece of the pie with a goal at the start of the 2nd half (47-minute mark). The Yellow Jackets could not have started the season out any better, as they once again defeated the Andrews Cardinals 9-0.

When senior Brianna Snider was asked by The Defender about the team’s dominating victory to start off the season, she expressed, “Today’s victory was a team win and a great start of the season for our team. I think compared to last season, we are off to a great start as a team rather than individuals, and our chemistry has been amazing throughout the season so far. I am grateful to play my final year with these girls, and I believe that this season you will see a new type of DCWS with a different playing style.”

9/4: Eureka 1, Defiance 0

The Defiance College women’s soccer team hosted the Eureka College Red Devils at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field for a Sunday afternoon showdown. After a scoreless first half, the Red Devils get on the scoreboard early in the second half, with a goal by freshman Jenna Kinney (51-minute mark). The Yellow Jackets attempted to even the score in the final 39 minutes of the contest, with a barrage of shot attempts, but in the end, the Yellow Jackets fell in the home opener 1-0. Senior Brianna Snider had the best chance for Defiance to even the score, but Eureka’s starting goalkeeper (freshman) Lizzie Brooksher made a spectacular save to preserve the shutout for the Red Devils.

Men’s Soccer at Heidelberg University

The Defiance College men’s soccer team traveled east to Tiffin, Ohio, to take on the Heidelberg Student Princes at Hidden Valley Soccer Complex on Thursday evening. The season opener was a thriller, as senior Jeremy Jimenez scored the lone goal for the Yellow Jackets with just 31 seconds left in the 1st half! Freshman Jeremy Fuller is credited with the assist. Shortly after the 63-minute mark, Heidelberg gets on the scoreboard with a goal by senior Kelly Itito. The Yellow Jackets and Student Princes exchange shots for the remaining 27 minutes, but in the end, the game ends in a 1-1 tie. 

“The boys displayed some exciting things that will hopefully continue to be seen throughout the remainder of the season.” – Noah Svanberg Men’s Soccer Student Manager

When Student Manager Noah Svanberg was asked by The Defender about the mindset following a tie game to open the season, he expressed, “We have a big test at Wilmington next Wednesday. Tying 1-1 vs. Heidelberg was, of course, not the desired outcome, but there were definitely some good takeaways.”

Friday, Sept. 2

Volleyball vs Eastern Mennonite University (Great Lakes Crossover at Cedar Point)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team kicked off their season with a matchup against Eastern Mennonite University, as a part of the Great Lakes Crossover event at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The first game of the evening was a clean sweep for the Yellow Jackets, as they captured three straight sets, 28-26, 25-19, and 25-21. 

Volleyball vs. Geneva College (Great Lakes Crossover at Cedar Point)

In their second match of the day, the Yellow Jackets volleyball team faced off against the Geneva College Golden Tornadoes, in the Great Lakes Crossover event at Cedar Point. This game would come down to the fifth and final set. The Yellow Jackets would drop the first two sets 25-22 and 25-19 before they would capture two straight sets, 25-15 and 26-24. The fifth set was a thriller, as both teams went back and forth, but in the end, the Yellow Jackets lost in heartbreaking fashion, 17-15.

Men’s Cross Country at Eastern Illinois University

The Yellow Jackets men’s cross country team began their season with a trip to Eastern Illinois University for the Walt Crawford Open. Freshman Alex Burney finished with a time of 30:59.8, which was good for a 70th place finish. Indiana State University took home the Walt Crawford Open team victory. Alex was the lone runner for the Yellow Jackets. 

Women’s Cross Country at Eastern Illinois University

The Yellow Jackets women’s cross country team began their season with a trip to Eastern Illinois University for the Walt Crawford Open. Freshman Shyla Pemberton finished with a time of 29:38.7, which was good for a 60th-place finish. Marquette University took home the Walt Crawford Open team victory. Shyla was the lone runner for the Yellow Jackets. 

Saturday, Sept. 3

Football at Mount Union University

The Yellow Jackets football team kicked off their season with a trip to Mount Union University to take on the Raiders at Kehres Stadium. Last season, the Mount Union Raiders finished 13-1, with their only loss of the season occurring in the NCAA DIII Football Championship Semifinals. While expectations for this Yellow Jackets team are focused on obtaining wins, the trip to Mount Union provided many great learning opportunities for this squad, which they hope to use to their benefit in future games this season. The Yellow Jackets would fall to Mount Union 65-0. Senior Thomas Coltrain led the Defiance defense with nine total tackles, including two tackles-for-loss for four yards, while senior Jordan Ambrose led the Yellow Jacket offense with 74 passing yards and 50 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Volleyball vs. Allegheny College (Great Lakes Crossover at Cedar Point)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team began their final day of action at the Great Lakes Crossover event at Cedar Point, with a matchup against Allegheny College. The early morning start of 10 am, seemed to impact the Yellow Jackets’ performance. The Yellow Jackets suffered a three-set sweep, as the Allegheny Gators took the first three sets 25-22, 25-15, and 25-22. 

Volleyball vs. Saint Mary’s (Ind.) College (Great Lakes Crossover at Cedar Point)

The Yellow Jackets volleyball team wrapped up their weekend as a part of the Great Lakes Crossover event at Cedar Point, with a matchup against the Saint Mary’s Belles. The Yellow Jackets lost a hard-fought contest 3-2. 

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Volleyball (1-3) vs. Heidelberg University (2-1)

Location: Karl H. Weaner Center 

(7 pm)

Men’s Soccer (0-0-1) at Wilmington College (1-1) 

(7 pm)

Women’s Soccer (1-1) at Heidelberg University (0-1-1) 

(7 pm)

Thursday, Sept. 8

Men’s Golf at Lourdes University 

(9 am) 

Friday, Sept. 9

Women’s Golf at Olivet College for the Kyle Campbell Invitational

(2 pm)

Volleyball (1-3) vs. Birmingham-Southern College (3-0) as a part of the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University

(4 pm)

Volleyball (1-3) vs. Capital University (1-3) as a part of the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University

(6 pm)  

Saturday, Sept. 10

Women’s Golf at Olivet College for the Kyle Campbell Invitational

(8:30 am)

Volleyball (1-3) vs. Thiel College (2-2) as a part of the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University

(10 am)

Men’s Soccer (0-0-1) vs. Mount Union University (1-1) as a part of the Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University 

(1 pm)

Volleyball (1-3) vs. Otterbein University (4-0) as a part of the Pam Briggs Classic at Capital University

(2 pm)

Sunday, Sept. 11

Women’s Soccer (1-1) at Bethany College (1-0-1) 

(3 pm)

Men’s Soccer (0-0-1) vs. TBD as a part of the Mount Union Invitational at Mount Union University

(Time: TBD)