NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – A late New Year's celebration broke out at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena Wednesday, Jan. 3. And with good reason.

Coach Josh Dzurick's squad claimed its second successive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory in front of just under 100 happy fans. The 58-50 decision over Franklin College was due in large part to a consistent offensive attack, as MU turned in a stable 42.9 percent rate from the field overall, sent eight of 18 three-point attempts home and converted at a steady 72.7 percent clip at the free throw line.  Sophomore guard Haley Farris (Sharpsville, Ind.) drilled a three to break the scoring ice nearly three minutes in, part of an 11-4 start, and the Black and Gold never trailed over the 40 minutes.

Farris tallied a team-leading 16 points, picked off three steals and grabbed four rebounds to help guide MU (3-9 overall, 2-3 HCAC). Fellow sophomore guard Nicole Weaver (Fort Wayne, Ind.) was next in line with 11 points to go with four rebounds and four assists, and freshman Mikalia Taylor (Connersville, Ind.) kept the underclasswoman front court theme going with 10 points and three steals.

The Spartans continue their current two-game home set Saturday, Jan. 6. Hanover College pays a visit for a 1 p.m. game that's part of a doubleheader with the two men's programs.