DEFIANCE, OHIO – A significant third period run by Manchester University highlighted a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Answering back-to-back 20-point-plus scoring totals from host Defiance College over the first two stanzas, Coach Josh Dzurick's side whittled an 18-point halftime deficit down to as little as six in the second half before the Yellow Jackets regained control in route to a 79-64 victory at the Karl H. Weaner Center. The centerpiece of the rally was a 16-6 third period attack.

Sophomore guard Nicole Weaver (Fort Wayne, Ind.) spearheaded the offensive output for the Spartans (1-5 overall, 0-2 HCAC). She turned in 15 points to add to five assists and four steals. A pair of first-year players also turned in double-digit points, as guard Mikalia Taylor (Connersville, Ind.) wound up with 11, and forward/center Hannah Smith (Upland, Ind.) came off the bench for 10. Junior forward/center Beth Schaefer (Fort Wayne, Ind.) was just off double-double pace with eight points and nine rebounds.

MU continues conference play Saturday, Dec. 9. Earlham College pays a visit to Stauffer-Wolfe Arena for a 2 p.m. start as part of a doubleheader with the men's teams.