Delta Defeats Visiting Rochester College

University Center, MI – The Lady Pioneers hosted the Rochester College JV women's basketball team on Tuesday and despite using just eight players came away with a hard fought, 69-65 victory.  With three players out of the lineup nursing injuries and two other players being benched for disciplinary reasons, the entire game seemed in doubt before a late surge saw DC squeak out the win to improve to 3-3 on the season. 

"Our ladies learned today what we can do when we play hard for a full 40 minutes," said head coach Kelly Miller.  "It wasn't the prettiest game but it was a solid win and that's something to build on."

"A short- handed win shows us what we can do if we come together and go all out."

In a game that saw multiple lead changes and streaky shooting from both squads, Delta saw itself down by three after one quarter and four at the half.  That's when sophomore Jenna Szostak decided to take over.

Down 36-32 at the half, Szostak poured in 17 or Delta's 23 points in the third quarter to give Delta a four-point lead that it would not relinquish.  The sophomore shooting guard from Tawas would end with a game high 26 points and nine rebounds.

"With players being out, Jenna stepped up huge when it was needed," said Miller.  "She's one of those players that once she gets going she feels like she can't miss and when we were struggling for points she sparked us and led us to victory."

Strong defensive play from freshman Stonefish and Williams caused Rochester to have unforced turnovers leading into steals for Delta to score some easy buckets that helped push the ladies towards the win.

"Wask and Harmany both took pride in their defense tonight and it paid off," said Miller.  "Wask got her hand in a lot of passing lanes for steals and Harmany slowed up their point guard."

Brooke Schutte added 15 points and five boards for Delta.

"We limited their second chance points down the stretch and took care of the ball," said Miller about Delta keeping Rochester from getting a come-back victory in the fourth quarter.  "Once we adjusted to their three-point threats, it was a matter of ball control and rebounding missed shots."

Delta next plays on Friday as they host Fanshawe College from London, Ontario.  The Falcons are members of the Canadian College Athletic Association competing in the Ontario College Athletic Association and currently boast a record of 9-3.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30pm.