NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – Hard-nosed singles wins from sophomore Spencer Thomas (Yorktown, Ind.) and freshman Zach Martin (Auburn, Ind.) helped highlight Manchester University's fall non-conference clash with in-state opponent Bethel College of Mishawaka, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 10.

Thomas, who registered a strong start to his 2015-16 campaign, held off the Pilots' Luke Prude 7-6 in the first set and then took a 6-1 win in the second for the sweep at number two. He opened the afternoon at MU's outdoor courts recording his eighth collegiate doubles decision, joining junior Stratton Smith (New Palestine, Ind.) for an 8-6 victory at the number one slot.

Martin's first appearance in the Black and Gold was just as notable. He gained a 6-3 win over BC's Mason Heller in the first set at number five singles and then claimed a 7-5 second set thriller for a sweep. The Spartans narrowly missed claiming a fourth team point, as the number three doubles squad of sophomore Kyler Love (North Webster, Ind.) and Martin was edged 8-5.

"I felt, with the team having limited practice, getting to know four new players and missing a starter due to injury, we did pretty well," Coach Eric Christiansen said. "I saw a lot of fight and determination. Spencer's singles and he and Stratton's doubles decisions were proof of that as was Zach's singles win."