NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester University Spartans won back the coveted Bronze Ball Trophy after shutting out rival Anderson University 3-0 at Spartan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A lone field goal by senior kicker Andrew Kibler (Cape Coral, Fla./Mariner) was all the difference in Saturday's score. Kibler connected on a 39-yard try early in the 4^th quarter.

The Black & Gold defense stood tall when it mattered most in Saturday's heated rivalry game as Spartans came away with 5 takeaways. Manchester intercepted Anderson quarterback Tyson Harley 4 times, while also forcing a key fumble.

Playing in his final collegiate game, senior defensive back Michael Cross (Arcadia, Ind./Hamilton Heights) provided 2 of Manchester's 4 interceptions on the day. Cross finished with 6 tackles, recovered a fumble, and also broke up a pass. Senior defensive end Jabari Webb (Villa Rica, Ga./Villa Rica) had an interception in Saturday's game while also providing 7 total tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. Senior linebacker Jalen Masden (Evansville, Ind./Harrison) led the Black & Gold with 11 total tackles.

The Spartans were able to seal the Senior Day victory late in the 4^th quarter after junior defensive back Josue Castro (Miami, Fla./Westland Hialeah) intercepted Tyson Harley with 1:16 left on the clock.

For the game, the Manchester defense racked up 8 tackles-for-loss for 28 yards. MU also had 4.0 sacks.

The Spartans ended the 2021 season with a record of 3-7, 3-4 HCAC. Manchester won back the coveted Bronze Ball Trophy and has won 10 of the last 11 matchups in the series.

Anderson ended its season 1-9, 1-6 HCAC.