Lexington, KY. - The Manchester University Volleyball team finished their season this past Sunday, finishing as Runner-ups in the HCAC tournament.

The Spartans would defeat MSJ in a five set thriller and eventually fall to Transylvania 3-1 in the championship match. Spartans Avery Ball (Decatur, Ind., Belmont) and Morgan Howard (South Whitley, Ind., Whitko) were selected to the All-Tournament Team. This is the Spartans highest tournament finish since joining the HCAC.

Manchester 3, MSJ 2

The Spartans fell early to MSJ, dropping the first two sets, however they were able to rally and win the next three sets and eventually take the Semi-final match up 3-2. The Spartans offense was led behind Ball's 20 kills on a .222 attack percentage and Howard's 31 set assists. On defense Tiffany Watterson (Elkhart, Ind., Elkhart) led the way finishing with 24 digs while Lily Lichtenbarger (South Bend, Ind., New Prairie) held down the net with three solo blocks. 

Manchester 1, Transylvania 3

Transylvania came out hot taking the first two sets from the Spartans. However the Spartans were not done yet as they would take set three 25-23. The Spartans and Pioneers had a back and forth fourth set until the Pioneers won a couple of points in a row and held onto the lead for the rest of the game. Spartans offense was led by Ball's 12 kills and Jessica Tarr (Fort Wayne, Ind., Snider) 10 kills, as well as Howard's 25 set assists. Watterson yet again was laying the ground work on defense, finishing with 16 kills. 

The Spartans finish their season 18-11 (6-3 HCAC) and record their highest HCAC Regular Season (3rd) and Tournament (2nd) finish.