GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Manchester University and D3Hoops.com/Women's Basketball Coaches Association Division III top-25 ranked Calvin College each maintained advantages in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference – Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association tussle Tuesday, Nov. 25.

MU, suffering its first defeat of the 2014-15 season, stayed within striking range of the host Knights throughout the 40 minutes inside Van Noord Arena. However, a 12-3 stretch midway through the second frame turned the tide to a 69-56 Calvin win. The Spartans (2-1) led the Knights (3-0) for the fourth and final time 41-40 after senior forward Abby Lang (Indianapolis, Ind.) converted a lay-up with 14:48 left. From there, CC took off on their run and extended the margin to as much as 15 and, while Manchester University moved to within 10 down the stretch, they couldn't get any closer.

The guard combination of junior Justine Kruger (Francesville, Ind.) and senior Alyssa Smith (Bluffton, Ind.) topped the Spartans' scoring column. Kruger tallied 12 points to go with three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a blocked shot, while Smith just missed a double-double by compiling 10 points, eight rebounds, a blocked shot and four assists. Other strong numbers came from junior forward Katie Arterburn (Indianapolis, Ind.) who scored nine points and senior guard Jocelyn Hamilton (Columbus, Ind.) who dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds.

Manchester University returns to action Wednesday, Dec. 3. They open the 2014-15 HCAC slate with a home clash against Defiance College of Ohio.

NOTES: Hamilton finished with five-or-more assists for the eighth time in her last 14 appearances … Smith tied a personal single-game career high with her eight rebounds.