by Kara Gilley, Manchester University sports information student assistant

RICHMOND, IND. – Manchester University opened up its spring season Thursday, April 4, with a hard-fought 6-3 loss to the Red Wolves of Indiana University East. Coach Eric Christiansen's line-up showed many changes from the fall squad that turned in a 6-6 record.

The Spartans (6-7 overall) pulled ahead with an early 2-1 lead in doubles play. MU received a comeback win of 8-5 from the junior duo of  Kara Gilley (Plymouth, Ind.) and Brandy Leeper (Bremen, Ind.) at one doubles and the newly-composed two doubles team of juniors Abby Berry (Huntington, Ind.) and Amanda Keating (Lafayette, Ind.) earning an 8-6 victory.   

Leeper recorded Manchester's lone singles win with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over IU East's Cheltsi Hinners at number two. Berry and Gilley found themselves on the wrong end of two split-set decisions, adding to the several three-set matches on the night.

The Black and Gold will be back in action Sunday April 7. They join the men's team facing conference rivals Franklin College at the MU tennis courts. First serve is 1:00 p.m. for the women and 4:00 p.m. for the men.