NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – Sophomore guard KatieArterburn (Indianapolis, Ind.) knocked down four three-point field goals as part of a 16-point night to lead four Manchester University players in double figures in a 69-58 loss at the hands of Franklin College.
Manchester, despite falling to 7-5 with its first Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference loss of the season, threw a scare into the visiting Grizzlies (6-6, 4-1 HCAC). After FC opened the first half on an offensive tear, building as large as a 29-point lead, en route to a 47-22 halftime bulge, MU got the crowd inside Stauffer-Wolfe Arena on its feet in the second 20 minutes.
The Black and Gold went on a 21-3 run out of the gate, as an Arterburn trey closed the deficit to 51-43. They didn't stop there, closing to within 55-52 with 5:19 to go after junior guard Alyssa Smith (Bluffton, Ind.) hit a free throw.
Franklin managed to have just enough firepower left to hold off the impressive charge. Fueled by eight straight points from freshman guard Lauren DeSutter, the visitors went on a 14-6 stretch to close the final 5:19.
Sophomore guard Justine Kruger (Francisville, Ind.) added 11 points, two steals, two assists and three rebounds. Sophomore center Stephanie Barmes (Greenwood, Ind.) turned in 10 points and five rebounds.
Manchester University continues its week with a trip to Transylvania University for a clash with the current HCAC leaders and defending champions Saturday, Jan. 11. Tipoff is 1 p.m.
NOTES: Arterburn registered her fifth double-figure and fifth multiple three-point game … Junior guard Jocelyn Hamilton (Columbus, Ind.) dished out nine assists for the third time this year. Her multiple assists' game streak stretched to 12 … Kruger gained her first double-figure scoring game of the year and second of her career.