DEFIANCE, OHIO – A doubles win from the freshman duo of Spencer Thomas (Yorktown, Ind.) and Isaac Collis (Alexandria, Ind.) highlighted Manchester University Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opener Wednesday, April 1.

Collis and Thomas topped Defiance College's Tory Savage and Adam Swisher 8-5 at number three to bring the Spartans to within 2-1 of their hosts after doubles play concluded. Collis came back at number six singles and forced a tiebreaker against Swisher before being toppled 6-0, 7-6, while seniors Alex Winger (Warsaw, Ind.) and Kyle Lahman (North Manchester, Ind.) each picked up first set wins at numbers five and one, respectively, before their opponents rallied for victories in route to the Yellowjackets' 8-1 win.

The Black and Gold (0-5 overall, 0-1 HCAC) are scheduled to resume action Thursday, April 2, with a non-conference match at the University of St. Francis of Fort Wayne. First serve is slated for 4:30 p.m.

NOTES: Collis and Thomas moved with one win of .500 for the season, as their record increased to 2-3 … MU returns to conference play Saturday, April 4, as they join the Spartans' women's squad for a double dual at Franklin College. First serve is 2 p.m.