Cincinnati, OH - Manchester Women's Basketball dropped a 59-44 HCAC road decision to Mt. St. Joseph on Saturday. The Spartans hung around early and even grabbed a brief second-quarter lead, but a cold stretch after halftime and MSJ's ability to turn defense into easy points created separation.

Manchester trailed 14-12 after the first quarter, then answered with its best offensive push of the day in the second. Hailee Kline drilled a three early in the period to put the Spartans in front 15-14, and Gibbs later knocked down a triple of her own as Manchester continued to battle. Still, MSJ closed the half with a strong finish and carried a 34-26 advantage into the break.

The third quarter proved decisive. Manchester managed just seven points in the frame as MSJ extended the margin with paint touches and timely perimeter shots, pushing the lead to 48-33 entering the fourth. The Spartans kept competing—getting to the line late and forcing a few turnovers—but couldn't generate enough offense to cut deeply into the deficit.

Hannah Holmes and Maddi Smith paced Manchester with 10 points apiece. Holmes was efficient (4-for-7 from the field), while Smith added five rebounds. Kline finished with eight points, and Gibbs added seven points, five rebounds, and an assist. Abi Rosenkrans chipped in seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals as Manchester forced 15 MSJ turnovers, but the Spartans shot 12-for-52 overall and 2-for-14 from three, making it tough to keep up.

As a team, Manchester earned points at the stripe (18-for-24) and matched MSJ on the glass (37 rebounds each), but MSJ's edge in field goals and fast-break production helped the Lions pull away in the second half.