A key sweep of doubles competition helped Manchester University's women's program resume its best season start since 2007 with a 5-4 win at the University of St. Francis Thursday, Sept. 18.

The freshman combination of Katy Ashpole (Leesburg, Ind.) and Erin Cordill (Zionsville, Ind.) moved into the Spartans' doubles wins lead, claiming their third in four attempts with an 8-5 over the Cougars' Brittany Barger and Rebecca Faber. Fellow freshman Katie Peden (North Manchester, Ind.) joined junior Megan Buckner (Muncie, Ind.) to pick up their second win in three tries, side-stepping Grace Heise and Shelby Richardson 9-7, and freshman Alisha Paddock (Alexandria, Ind.) and sophomore Alaina Beckner (Columbia City, Ind.) concluded the three-point post for MU, winning 8-6 at No. 3. USF (4-6) rallied back for a tie, claiming four of the first five singles' battles. However, straight-set victories from Cordill and sophomore Adriana Brown (Columbia City, Ind.) helped push the Black and Gold to their third straight dual decision and a 4-1 record.

MU's men resumed their brief three-dual fall slate, falling 8-1 to St. Francis. The doubles team of seniors Phil Truitt (Huntington, Ind.) and Alex Winger (Warsaw, Ind.) took the point with a win at the number two slot.

Manchester University's women continue a three-dual week Saturday, Sept. 20, hosting Franklin College in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action at 12 p.m.