BEREA, Ohio - The Manchester women's basketball team took on #8 nationally ranked Baldwin Wallace during the first round of the BW Invitational on Thursday, December 29th. The Spartans were defeated by a final score of 74-36. 

Despite a slow start, the Yellow Jackets were able to take a 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Baldwin Wallace would outscore MU 26-7 during the second quarter of Thursday's game on their way to a 38-15 halftime lead. 

Baldwin Wallace continued to stretch their lead, outscoring Manchester 29-10 in the third quarter before taking home the 74-36 victory and advancing to the BW Invitational Championship game. 

Megan Hensel led Baldwin Wallace with 22 points. Kaycie Badylak finished the day with 17 points while Caely Ressler had a team-high 9 rebounds and 2 steals for the Yellow Jackets. Sylvie Sonneman also chipped in 2 blocks. As a team, Baldwin Wallace shot 40.4% from two-point range, 46.7% from three-point range, and 53.8% from the free throw line. With the win, the Yellow Jackets improve to 10-0 on the season. 

Maddi Smith (Kewanna, Ind., Caston) led the Black and Gold with 10 points, 3 steals, and 7 rebounds during Thursday's contest. Hailee Kline (Huntington, Ind., Blackhawk Christian) and Abi Rosenkrans (Pendleton, Ind., Pendleton Heights) chipped in 5 points each while Ally Graber (Mooresville, Ind., Mooresville) added 6 rebounds and 2 assists. As a team, Manchester shot 19.6% from the field and 70.6% from the free throw line. 

The Spartans will compete in the BW Invitational consolation game against Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on Friday, December 30th. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.