BLUFFTON, OHIO – Manchester University pushed across 11 runs, 10 of them coming in a wild opener, during its Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference contests at Bluffton University's Emory Sears Outdoor Complex Wednesday, April 22.

Unfortunately, the Black and Gold's offensive output couldn't match up with the host Beavers. BU claimed both ends of the twinbill, winning 19-10 and 10-1 in a pair of five-inning games.

MU (13-12 overall, 8-6 HCAC) got off to a flying start. A three-run first inning barrage, sparked by an RBI single from senior shortstop Emily Willmann (Montpelier, Ind.) and a run-scoring double by junior catcher Kaile Niezgodski (South Bend, Ind.) started the Black and Gold to a 3-0 lead. However, as the visitors would find out throughout the afternoon, the home team bats swung for the fences with success, as two-run shot in the bottom of the first tied the game at 3-3 and a three-run homer put the Beavers up 6-3. After the Spartans countered with a three-run third, highlighted by a two-run home run from senior outfielder Shannon Stephan (Granger, Ind.) to tie the game at 6-6, an eight-run rally for Bluffton University (23-14, 10-4 HCAC) in the home half of the third proved to be the turning point.

Just as in game one, MU held an early lead in the nightcap. Niezgodski crossed in the top of the second for a 1-0 edge, as senior pitcher Ashlea Nash (Gas City, Ind.) limited BU to just one hit over the opening two frames. However, the home team turned to the long ball, blasting a pair of home runs in the third and fourth innings to spotlight a pair of five-run rallies.

The Spartans resume a busy week of action Thursday, April 23. They step out of conference play, hosting Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association member Alma at 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Field.

NOTES: With two games remaining on the league regular season schedule, the Black and Gold stand fourth on the HCAC standings, trailing Hanover by just a half-game for third … Five players ended the doubleheader with two hits each. Niezgodski's two doubles and two RBIs and Willmann's three runs scored led the way.