5.5.12- SPARTANS ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, FALL TO ANDERSON 6-3
Manchester's softball team advanced to the championship game of the HCAC Tournament on Saturday before falling to champion Anderson University 6-3.

In their first game of the afternoon, Manchester defeated Bluffton 6-2 as MC took a 3-2 lead after scoring three runs in the fourth inning and two more in the fifth. Ashlea Nash struck out four batters and allowed just four hits to pick up the win. Kayla Yates was 2-3 with three RBIs from a three-run homer and had a run scored, while Emily Willmann was 2-3 with a pair of runs.

Manchester took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning, but Anderson scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 6-3 win over the Spartans. Nash got the loss, throwing 3.1 innings with six runs allowed, four earned, on six hits. Amy Hommema, Holly Morris and Willman went 1-3 on the day.

Amy Hommema, Kylie Planck, Kayla Yates and Emily Willmann were named to the All-Tournament Team. Manchester finishes the year 21-23 overall.

5.4.12 - MC ADVANCES TO CONSOLATION FINALS AFTER 7-0 WIN OVER TRANSY
Manchester's quest for an HCAC Conference Tournament title remains alive following Manchester's 7-0 win over Transylvania in the consolation round of the HCAC Softball Tournament.

Manchester scored two in the first and added three runs in the fourth to pick up the win. Ashlea Nash took the win, throwing three strikeouts in seven innings. Kylie Planck was 2-3 with two runs and an RBI, Amy Hommema was 1-4 with three RBIs, two from a home run, while Emily WIllmann went 2-4 and Holly Morris finished the day 2-3.

Manchester advances to the consolation finals where they will play the loser of Friday afternoon Bluffton/Anderson contest starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Anderson.

5.4.12 - SPARTANS FALL IN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT OPENER 8-0 TO ANDERSON IN FIVE INNINGS
Manchester's softball team fell to top-seeded Anderson University in the opening round of the HCAC Conference Tournament 8-0 in five inning.s Maureen Lund took the loss, throwing three strikeouts and eight earned runs on five hits. Kendall Jefferies collected the lone hit of the day for MC, going 1-2 with a double.

Manchester will face Transylvania in the consolations starting at 2:15 p.m. on Friday in the double elimination tournament.

4.29.12 - HOMMEMA SETS NEW RECORD IN DOUBLES AS MANCHESTER SPLITS WITH HANOVER, WILL ADVANCE TO HCAC TOURNAMENT
Manchester's softball team clinched the fourth and final playoff spot in next week's HCAC Tournament splitting with Hanover in conference play with a 3-2 win and a 2-1 loss.

In game one, Maureen Lund picked up her 12th win of the year and struck out six batters as Manchester defeated Hanover 3-2. Amy Hommema was 1-2 with a run scored, and connected on her 17th double of the year to set a new school record. Kendall Jefferies was 1-3 with an RBI, while Emily Willmann went 1-3 with a an RBI and a run scored, connecting on a triple.

In game two, Hanover scored a run in the first and second innings to take the 2-1 win over MC. Ashlea Nash was the losing pitcher, striking out three batters. Kylie Planck was 2-4 with a run scored and had a triple, while Willmann, Kayla Yates and Danielle Howell went 1-3.

Manchester improves to 19-21 on the year, 8-8 in the conference. They will face regular season champs Anderson in the first round of the HCAC Tournament starting Friday at noon from Anderson University.

4.26.12 - MANCHESTER DROPS DOUBLEHEADER TO ST. MARY'S, FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME SATURDAY VERSUS HANOVER
Manchester's softball team fell to visiting St. Mary's 3-2 and 9-8 on Thursday. St. Mary's scored runs in the top of the seventh innings in both games to take the wins.

In the 3-2 loss, St. Mary's scored two runs in the top of the seventh to pick up the win. Maureen Lund was the losing pitcher, throwing three strikeouts and giving up two earned runs on seven hits. Amy Hommema went 1-3, while Emily Willmann scored two runs and had three stolent bases.

In the second game, St. Mary's snapped an 8-8 tie by scoring a run in the seventh, and held off Manchester, who had the tying run at second to pick up the 9-8 win. Ashlea Nash was the losing pitcher for MC. Kylie Planck was 3-5 with three RBIs and a run scored. Kendall Jefferies was 2-4 with a run, and Danielle Howell was 3-3 with two RBIs and a run.

The Spartans fall to 18-20 on the year, and will close out the regular season Saturday against Hanover. Manchester, 7-7 in conference play, needs two wins to lock in the fourth and final spot in the conference tournament slated for next week. Defiance and Rose-Hulman are also in contention for the fourth playoff spot with 6-8 records, and will face each other on Saturday. MC holds the tie-breaker over Defiance, while Rose-Hulman holds the tie-breaker over Manchester.

4.21.12 - MC POSTS 12-8 AND 12-4 WINS OVER MSJ
Manchester's softball team remains in the hunt for the fourth and final HCAC playoff spot following two wins at Mount St. Joseph on Saturday.

Manchester won game one 12-8, as Maureen Lund got the win, throwing two strikeouts in two innings with Ashlea Nash picking up five strikeouts in five innings of relief. Kylie Planck led the way going 4-5 with a run and an RBI. Kendall Jefferies was 3-5 with two runs and two RBIs, while Emily Willmann also went 3-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Holly Morris was 2-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored with her two run-homer.

Ashlea Nash got the win in game two, throwing 2.1 innings with four runs allowed and two strikeouts. Lund threw 3.2 innings with four strikeouts. Amy Hommema was 2-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored, hitting a three-run home run for Manchester. Kayla Yates was 4-4 with two runs and two RBIs, Emily Willmann went 2-4 with a two-run homer and scored a pair of runs, and Janikka Tillitson went 1-3 with two RBIs.

Manchester moves to 18-18 on the year, 7-7 in the HCAC. They will face St. Mary's on Wednesday and host Hanover on Saturday.
4.17.12 - MANCHESTER GETS 5-2 AND 5-0 WIN OVER DEFIANCE
Manchester picked up a pair of conference wins on Tuesday following a 5-2 and 5-0 win over Defiance.

In game one, Maureen Lund threw a one-hitter and struck out 11 batters as MC posted a 5-2 win. Amy Hommema, Kylie Planck and Emily Willmann were 2-4 on the day, with Hommea adding an RBI and two stolen bases. Kayla Yates was 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

Ashlea Nash threw a three-hitter and struck out five to take the win in MC's 5-0 shutout of Defiance. Kylie Planck was 2-3 with an RBI to lead Manchester. Kendall Jefferies was 2-4 with two runs scored, and Emily Willmann went 2-4 with a run and an RBI.

Manchester improves to 16-18 on the year, 5-7 in the conference. The Spartans will travel to Mount St. Joseph on Saturday stating at 2 p.m.

4.14.12 - SPARTANS FALL TO TRANSYLVANIA IN HCAC ACTION
Manchester's softball team fell to Transylvania in doubleheader action Saturday, losing game one 5-3 and dropping a 7-4 decision in game two.

In the 5-3 loss, Maureen Lund took the loss, throwing eight strikeouts. She gave up five runs, three of those earned, on seven hits.

Kylie Planck went 2-4 with a run scored, Amy Hommema was 3-4 with an RBI and Holly Morris went 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI with her solo home run.

In game two, MC fell 7-4 as Transy scored all seven of their runs in the first two innings. Ashlea Nash took the loss, throwing three strikeouts, and had just two earned runs allowed. Hommema was 3-3 with a double and two RBIs, Kendall Jefferies was 1-4 with two RBIs on a two-run double, and Emily Willmann was 2-4 with a triple.

Manchester falls to 14-18 on the year, 3-7 in the HCAC. They will return to action on Tuesday, as they host Defiance starting at 3:30 p.m.

ANDERSON HANDS MC PAIR OF LOSSES
Manchester's softball team dropped a conference doubleheader to Anderson on Wednesday, losing game on 4-2 and 6-3 in game two.

In game one Anderson scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 3-1 lead and added a run in the sixth as MC was able to score a run in the top of the seventh. Emily Willmann scored both runs for Manchester, hitting a pair of solo home runs and went 2-3 on the day. Maureen Lund took the loss, throwing two strikeouts.

Anderson jumped out to a 5-2 lead after three innings in game two to pick up the 6-3 win. Ashlea Nash was the losing pitcher, throwing four strikeouts. Kendall Jefferies went 2-4, Amy Hommema finished 1-4 with a solo home run and added another RBI, and Holly Morris went 1-2 with a run scored.

Manchester drops to 13-15 overall, 3-5 in the HCAC. They return to action Saturday at Transylvania.
4.6.12 - SPARTANS FALL TO #10 DEPAUW 9-3 AND 9-7
Manchester's softball team fell to #10 DePauw in road action Friday from DePauw.

In game one, DePauw scored four runs in the third and five runs in the fourth to pick up the 9-3 win. Maureen Lund recorded the loss, giving up eight hits. Amy Hommema went 2-3 with a double. Danielle Howell went 2-3 with an RBI. Janikka Tillotson went 1-2 with an RBI.

In game two, Manchester picked up five runs in the third inning to take a 5-3 lead, but DePauw scored four runs in the bottom of the third. Manchester added two runs in the fifth inning to tie it at 7-7 before the Tigers added two runs in the bottom of the sixth to pick up the 9-7 win. Ashlea Nash went 5.1 innings and recorded the loss. Kendall Jefferies was 2-3 with a run scored, Emily Willmann and Holly Morris went 2-4, with Morris adding three RBIs.

Manchester evens their record at 14-14 on the year, and returns to conference action Wednesday as they travel to Anderson.

4.5.12 - SPARTANS GET PAIR OF WINS AT GRACE
Manchester's softball team picked up two wins at Grace on Thursday, winning game one 7-3 and posting an 8-5 score in game two.

Manchester scored three runs in the second and two runs in the third in the 7-3 win. Ashlea Nash picked up the win, giving up just two hits with four strikeouts. Kayla Yates was 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored, hitting a triple, while Emily Willmann went 2-4 with two runs scored. Danielle Howell was 1-4 with three RBIs in the win.

Manchester came back from a 2-1 deficit, scoring four runs in the third inning to pick up the 8-5 win in game two. Nash picked up her second win of the day, throwing five innings of relief pitching and had seven strikeouts. Amy Hommema was 2-2 with three RBIs. Kendall Jefferies, Kylie Planck and Chelsea Purcell each were 2-4, while Howell went 103 with a three-run double for the Spartans.

Manchester improves to 14-12 on the year and will face DePauw on Friday.

4.3.12 - LUND PICKS UP TWO WINS AS MC SWEEPS BLUFFTON
Manchester's softball team picked up a pair of key conference wins on Tuesday as the Spartans picked up a 5-1 and 6-1 win over Bluffton.

In game one, Maureen Lund picked up the win, throwing three strikeouts in seven complete innings. Kendall Jefferies went 3-4 with two runs scored, Kylie Planck went 2-3 with a run, while Emily Willmann was 3-3 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Kayla Yates was 1-2 with two RBIs.

In game two, Lund went the distance to record her second win of the day, striking out three with just two hits allowed. Kylie Planck was 1-4 with a two-run triple, Danielle Howell was 2-3 with a double and an RBI, and Shannon Stephan went 2-3 in the contest.

Manchester improves to 12-12 on the year, 3-3 in the HCAC. They will travel to Grace on Thursday and will face DePauw on the road on Friday.

3.31.12 - SPARTANS SPLIT WITH FRANKLIN
Manchester's softball team picked up a 4-3 win over Franklin for their first conference win of the year, but fell in game two 6-5 to split the doubleheader.

MC's Maureen Lund recorded eight strikeouts to pick up her seventh win of the year. Amy Hommema led the way with a 2-3 performance, hitting two doubles and driving in a run. Jannika Tillotson was 1-3 with a double, and Emily Willmann finished 1-2 with a run scored.

The Spartans scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh, and had the tying run on second with no outs, but fell short in a 6-5 loss. Ashlea Nash took the loss for MC as Franklin scored four runs in the first inning. Lund was 2-2 with a run scored and an RBI, Kayla Yates went 1-2 and Hommema hit her third double of the day going 1-4 with an RBI.

Manchester moves to 10-12 on the year, 1-3 in the HCAC. They will face Bluffton on Tuesday for more conference action starting at 3:30 p.m.

3.28.12 - MC FALLS TO ROSE-HULMAN IN CONFERENCE OPENER
Manchester's softball team dropped a 7-4 and 6-5 doubleheader to Rose-Hulman as Manchester started Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Wednesday.

In game one, Manchester gave up three runs in the fifth and sixth innings to fall behind 7-2, and managed to score two runs in the top of the seventh but fell short for the 7-4 loss. Maureen Lund struck out seven batters in seven complete innings. Danielle Howell was 2-2 with an RBI and a double to lead Manchester. Amy Hommema, Janikka Tillotson and Emily Willmann were 2-4 in the game.

Manchester picked up four runs in the top of the sixth to come within one run of tying the game, but fell short in the seventh as they Rose-Hulman left runners on second and third to pick up the 6-5 win. Brittney Wetzel took the loss, throwing 4.2 innings with four strikeouts and no earned runs allowed. Willmann went 2-3 and had a run scored while Hommema went 2-4 with two RBIs on a two-run home run.

Manchester falls to 9-11 on the year, 0-2 in the HCAC, and will return to action at home on Saturday as they host Franklin starting at 1 p.m.

3.24.12 - SPARTANS FINISH FLORIDA TRIP 1-3
Manchester's softball team wrapped up their Spring Break trip to Clermont, Fla. 1-3 in the final two days of action. Manchester opened Friday's action with an 8-0 win in five innings over Thomas, as Manchester scored five runs in the top of the fifth inning. Ashlea Nash was the winning pitcher, throwing a no-hitter with one strikeout. Amy Hommema, Kayla Yates and Emily Willmann were 2-3 in the game. Maureen Lund struck out seven batters in a 5-2 loss to Frostburg State. Willmann led the way with a 2-3 performance including a stolen base.

Manchester fell 9-3 to Bethel (MN) to start things Saturday, with Nash taking the loss. Kylie Planck went 3-4 with two RBIs. MC gave up four runs in the bottom of the sixth, and scored four runs in the top of the seventh but fell short in a 7-6 loss to Wisconsin Stevens Point. Nash recorded four strikeouts for the Spartans. Kendall Jefferies was 3-3 with a run scored, Kylie Planck was 2-3 with two runs sco red, and Willmann went 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Manchester moves to 9-9 on the year and will return to action Wednesday as they start conference action at Rose-Hulman starting at 5 p.m.

3.22.12 - KEAN TAKES 5-4 WIN OVER MC IN EIGHT INNINGS
Manchester scored four runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 4-4, but Kean picked up a run in the bottom of the eighth scoring on a combination of wild pitch and passed ball to take the 5-4 win in extra innings.

Marueen Lund struck out nine batters, giving up just two earned runs on four hits. Amy Hommema was 2-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Kayla Yates, Emily Willmann, Jannika Tillotson, Danielle Howell, Holly Morris, Kylie Planck and Kendall Jefferies also had a hit in the contest.

In junior varsity action on Thursday, Manchester picked up a 16-8 win over Indiana Tech and fell to St. Thomas 4-1.

Manchester goes to 8-6 on the year and will wrap up their Florida trip against Thomas College and Frostburg State on Friday and a pair of games against Bethel (MN) and Wis. Stevens Point on Saturday.

3.19.12 - MC STAYS PERFECT IN FLORIDA FOLLOWING 6-0 WIN OVER NEW PALTZ
Manchester's softball team moved to 3-0 during their spring trip to Clermont, Florida on Monday following a 6-0 win over New Paltz. Manchester jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first inning, and scored two runs in the sixth to pick up the shutout win.

Maureen Lund, this week's HCAC Softball Pitcher of the Week, struck out seven and surrendered just one hit. Amy Hommema went 2-4 on the day with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Kendall Jefferies, Shannon Stephan, Emily Willmann, Holly Morris, Daniell Howell and Janikka Tillotson were all 1-3.

Manchester improves to 7-4 on the year and will return to action Tuesday versus Kean.

3.18.12 - SPARTANS POST TWO WINS IN FLORIDA
Manchester's softball team picked up a pair of wins in their opening day action from Clermont, Florida on Sunday.

Manchester opened up with a 4-3 win over Babson, as the Spartans overcame a 3-0 deficit in the first inning and scored two runs in the fourth and sixth innings. Maureen Lund recorded eight strikeouts in seven innings, giving up just three hits in the game. Janikka Tillotson was 2-3 in the game with an RBI, while Danielle Howell went 1-2 with a run scored and an RBI.

Ashlea Nash struck out five batters and threw just a one hitter as Manchester defeated SUNY Oneonta St. 10-3. MC picked up two runs in the first, four runs in the third and two more in the fourth and sixth innings to pick up their second win of the day. Emily Willmann was a perfect 4-4 in the game with two RBIs and two runs scored. Amy Hommema was 2-3 with a run and an RBI. Holly Morris and Kendall Jefferies were each 2-4 at bat.

Manchester improves to 6-4 on the year, and will return to action from Clermont on Monday.
3.14.12 - SOFTBALL SWEEPS ALBION
Manchester's softball team picked up a pair of wins in doubleheader action Wednesday afternoon, defeating Albion 1-0 and 2-1 in non-league play.

In the 1-0 victory, Maureen Lund struck out seven batters to pick up the win. She allowed just five hits and one base on balls. Amy Hommema was 1-3 and drove in the winning run for the Spartans. Kendall Jefferies, Kayla Yates and Chelsea Purcell each recorded hits.


Ashlea Nash picked up five strikeouts as Manchester scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Nash allowed just two hits in the game. Kylie Planck was 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI, and scored the winning run in the sixth on an RBI single from Yates.

Manchester evens their record at 4-4 on the year and will return to action Sunday during their annual spring break trip to Clermont, Fla.

3.12.12 - MANCHESTER GOES 1-3 AT CENTRE TOURNAMENT
Manchester's softball team finished the weekend 1-3 at the Centre College Tournament. Manchester dropped an 8-2 loss to Spalding, and fell to Allegheny 4-1 on Saturday. MC lost to host Centre 4-3 and picked up a 4-0 win over Spalding.

Ashlea Nash took the loss in the 8-2 loss to Spalding, throwing 3.2 innings with seven runs allowed on six hits. Danielle Howell was 1-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, hitting a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Maureen Lund was the losing pitcher against Allegheny in the 4-1 loss. She had two strikeouts and allowed four runs on six hits. Kaitlyn Schmidt was 2-3 with an RBI.

Manchester took a 3-1 lead after the first inning at Centre on Sunday, but Centre bounced back with three runs in the second inning to pick up the 4-3 win. Nash took the loss, throwing seven innings with six strikeouts and four runs allowed on three hits. Kaitlyn Schmidt and Kylie Planck each were 2-4 with a run scored. Kayla Yates went 2-3 on the day with a run scored and an RBI. Lund picked up the win in a 4-0 victory over Spalding to wrap up the Centre Tournament. Lund struck out nine batters and allowed just two hits in the shutout. Yates led the way with a 2-3 performance at bat, connecting on a pair of doubles with an RBI.

Manchester moves to 2-4 on the year and will be in action at home on Wednesday as they host Albion.

3.7.12 - SOFTBALL SPLITS WITH HUNTINGTON IN SEASON OPENER
Manchester's softball team split with Huntington University in doubleheader action to start the 2012 season. Manchester fell in game one 10-0 in five innings, but picked up a 2-0 win in game two.

Ashlea Nash took the loss in game one, throwing five strikeouts. Holly Morris was 2-2 to lead the offense. Manchester scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to post a 2-0 win in game two. Maureen Lund also had five strikeouts for MC. Kaitlyn Schmidt went 3-3, while Kendall Jeffries, Kylie Planck, Amy Hommema and Kayla Yates each added a hit.

Manchester moves to 1-1 on the year and will take part in the Centre College Tournament on Saturday and Sunday. Manchester will face Spalding at noon on Saturday, followed by Allegheny at 4 p.m. Sunday's action pairs MC against Centre at 1 p.m. and Spalding again at 3 p.m.

2.5.12 - HEYNE HIRED AS NEW SOFTBALL ASSISTANT
Manchester College softball coach Tracy Cromer has hired Melanie Heyne as the new assistant softball coach for the 2012 season. Heyne received her degree in Organizational Leadership from Wright State University. She earned two varsity letters at Lake Land College and two more at Wright State, where she was part of the 2010 Horizon League Conference Championship team, and was named to the conference All-Tournament team as a pitcher and the team qualified for the NCAA Regional.

Heyne is a native of Celina, Ohio and was named First Team All-State in high school. She will work primarily with the pitchers this season.  

11.11.11 - FIVE NAMED TO NFCA ALL-AMERICA SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM
Manchester's softball team had five members of the 2011 team named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's All-America Scholar Athlete Team.

The award is presented to any player who achieves a 3.5 GPA or higher during the academic year. The NFCA had 4,376 honorees this year.

Those recognized were Brittney Miller, Holly Morris, Whitney Ohmer and Kaitlyn Schmidt. A full list is available here.

5.11.11 - HOMMEMA, YATES NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference released the 2011 All-Conference team on Wednesday, with Manchester's junior catcher Amy Hommema and junior infielder Kayla Yates being named First Team All-Conference.

Hommema led MC with a .372 batting average, going 42-113 on the year with six doubles and five homeruns. She added 31 RBIs and scored 16 runs and had three stolen bases. This is the second straight First Team All-Conference award for Hommema.

Yates was second on the team in batting averages, hitting .357 on the season, connecting on 40 of 112 at bats. She recorded 11 doubles, two homeruns and a triple, while driving in a team-high 33 runs and scoring 19 for the Spartans. Yakes finished the year with 12 stolen bases.

Manchester finished the year 14-22 overall, 5-7 in conference action. For a complete list of All-Conference selections click here.

4.30.11 - SPARTANS SPLIT WITH HANOVER
Manchester picked up an 8-5 win, but fell 4-3 to Hanover in HCAC Saturday from Hanover.

In game one, Erica Bush recorded the loss for MC, throwing three strikeouts in the contest. Hanover scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh after MC took a 3-2 lead in the seventh after scoring three runs. Kylie Planck was 2-4 for MC, Jannika Tillotson was 2-3 with and Jade Kennedy finished the day 2-3 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Manchester scored three in the fifth and four in the sixth to pick up the 8-5 win. Tillotson picked up the win, throwing 3.2 innings of relief with four runs allowed on five hits. Planck was 2-3 with three runs scored, Kaile Branch went 2-4 with two runs scored and Amy Hommema was 2-5. Kayla Yates was a perfect 4-4 with two RBIs and two runs, and Tillotson finished 2-4 with a pair of RBIs. Kennedy added an RBI and was 2-3.

Manchester goes to 15-23 overall, 6-8 in the HCAC. They will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Franklin.

4.29.11 - DEFIANCE POSTS PAIR OF CONFERENCE WINS OVER MC
Manchester fell in doubleheader action over HCAC rival Defiance College on Friday, marking the first of three days of doubleheader HCAC action.

Manchester fell in game one 8-4 with Erica Bush recording the loss. Bush surrendered 14 hits with a pair of strikeouts. Kaile Branch led MC going 3-3 with a run scored. Janikka Tillotson went 2-3 with an RBI, and Kayla Yates finished 1-3 with a three-run double for the Spartans.

In game two, Holly Morris picked up the loss, throwing 5.1 innings with seven runs allowed on 13 hits. Amy Hommema hit her fifth homerun of the year, driving in three runs and finished the game 2-4. Brittney Miller went 2-3 with three runs scored, while Tillotson finished 3-4 and Jade Kennedy went 2-4 with a run and an RBI.

MC falls to 14-22 overall, 5-7 in the HCAC. They will travel to Hanover on Saturday and to Franklin on Sunday.

4.26.11 - SPARTANS FALL TO HUNTINGTON IN DOUBLEHEADER
Manchester's softball team wrapped up its home schedule portion of the regular season on Tuesday with a pair of losses to Huntington. MC fell 10-0 in game one and dropped a 10-5 decision in game two.

In the first contest, Erica Bush was the losing pitcher, throwing three innings with nine runs on eight hits with a strikeout. Danielle Howell was 1-1 with a double to lead MC offensively.

In game two, Holly Morris was the losing pitcher, giving up six runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts. Danielle Howell had a pair of two-run homeruns for the Spartans, and finished the game 2-3 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Kayla Yates also finished 2-3 on the day.

Manchester falls to 14-20 overall, and travels to Defiance on Wednesday, and will face Hanover at Hanover on Saturday with a stop in Franklin on Sunday to make up a rain delayed game.

4.17.11 - MANCHESTER SWEEPS ROSE-HULMAN
Manchester's softball team picked up a pair of key conference wins Sunday as the Spartans defeated Rose-Hulman 13-1 in five innings and 12-7 in game two.

MC scored six runs in the third and four runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 13-1 win over Rose in game one. Erica Bush picked up the win, throwing five hits and four strikeouts. Brittney Miller was 2-3 with two runs and an RBI, Amy Hommema went 3-3 with two RBIs and a run, and Kendall Jefferies went 2-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Holly Morris added to the Spartan offense with a 2-3 performance, and Danielle Howell went 1-2 with a three-run homer, driving in four total runs in the game.

Manchester jumped to a 6-0 lead after two innings and scored three runs in the fourth and sixth innings to pick up the 12-7 win. Bush recorded her second win of the day to improve to 8-10 on the year. She threw 3.2 innings with two strikeouts and four runs allowed on eight hits. Holly Morris went 3.1 innings of relief, collecting four strikeouts. Kayla Yates went 3-4 with an RBI and two runs, Morris went 3-3 with two runs and two RBIs, while Howell launched another three-run homer and finished 3-5 with five RBI and two runs scored. Jade Kennedy connected on a single, double and triple to finish 3-4 at bat.

Manchester improves to 14-18 overall, 5-5 in the HCAC. They will return to action Wednesday as they travel to Defiance and Saturday at Franklin.

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