NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – A late stages roll by Manchester University ensured a key Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference outcome Saturday, Dec. 9.

The Spartans, embroiled in a nip-and-tuck battle with Earlham College throughout the afternoon at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena, broke away to a 64-58 victory behind a 14-5 run midway through the final frame. Heroes abounded for Coach Josh Dzurick's team but none more so than sophomore guard Haley Farris (Sharpsville, Ind.).

Increasing a run over the last three contests that's seen her scoring average sky-rocket nearly six points (2.3-8.1) per game, she tossed in personal single-game collegiate high 20 points fueled by a 10 of 13 effort from the charity stripe.

"We've been getting out-hustled a little in rebounding and loose balls recently, but today we all battled in both areas and didn't let that happen," Farris said.  "(This win) is what it's all about. We needed a conference victory. I think this gives us a tremendous amount of confidence going to
Rose-Hulman next weekend."

Farris' best outing in a Black and Gold uniform was added to by double-digit scoring marks from junior forward Beth Schaefer (Fort Wayne, Ind.) (14 points, seven rebounds and two steals) and sophomore guard Nicole Weaver (Fort Wayne, Ind.) (10 points, seven assists and three rebounds).

MU improved to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in league play good for a four-way tie for fifth. The Spartans continue conference action Saturday, Dec. 16, facing off against the loop-leading Fightin' Engineers at Hulbert Arena in Terre Haute, Ind. Tip-off time is 2 p.m.