NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – A last at-bat rally in game one highlighted a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference – Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association doubleheader for host Manchester University Thursday, April 23.

The Spartans, slipping to 13-14 overall, trailed visiting Alma College 3-0 going into the home half of the seventh. After trying to solve Scots' starting pitcher Morgan Stratton to the tune of just one hit over the opening six frames, the Black and Gold got their offense going. A hit by pitch and walk put two MU runners on with two outs and was followed by a single up the middle from junior Kaile Niezgodski (South Bend, Ind) that loaded the bases.

Enter freshman Alissa Hanni (Norwell, Ind.). Hanni promptly delivered a shot to right field, plating two runs. Hanni and freshman pinch runner Mikayla Deisler (Goshen, Ind.) moved up to second and third on the throw home. However, Stratton stopped the home side's attempt to tie and possibly win with a strikeout to wind up the contest at 3-2.

Game two saw the visitors jump on the Black and Gold. A three-run first inning home run gave AC an early lead, and they didn't look back in route to a 12-0, five-inning win. Deisler and fellow outfielder Ashley Stahl (Wheatland, Ind.) both tallied hits for Manchester University.

The Spartans resume non-conference play Saturday, April 25, taking a northern trek to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a doubleheader against MIAA representative Kalamazoo College. First pitch is 1 p.m.

NOTES: Hanni's two-run single was the first safety of her collegiate career … Freshman hurler Madisyn Walter (Hanna, Ind.) turned in a solid starting effort in the opener. After surrendering a three-run second-inning home run, she baffled the Scots on just four hits over their last four at-bats. Walter wound up with three strikeouts.