Our defensive players performed exceptionally well in the match.

defensive 是形容词，由动词 defend（防御、防守）加上后缀 -ive 构成，表示"防御性的、防守的"。 players 是 player 的复数形式，player 指"运动员、比赛者"。 defensive players 指在比赛中主要负责防守的队员，即"防守队员"。