NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - The Manchester women's basketball team was edged by the visiting Bluffton Beavers' second half rally on Wednesday, January 18. 

The Spartans jumped out to an early lead, scoring the first five points of the game out of the gate. Manchester continued with the strong start to Wednesday's game, extending their lead to 11 points with 3:14 left in the opening quarter. The Black and Gold closed out the first quarter, outscoring their opponents 25-14. 

A good three-point shot by Jessie Ringen (Rensselaer, Ind., Rensselaer Central) in the start of the second quarter put the Spartans up 28-14. The Beavers would pick up the pace, outscoring Manchester 24-13 and tying the game up at 38 at halftime. 

The third quarter saw four lead changes as the back-and-forth action continued in the second half. The Spartans took the 54-53 lead entering the final quarter of play. Bluffton was able to jump ahead late in the fourth quarter and hang on to take Wednesday's game by a final score of 74-64. 

Olivia Zender led the Beavers with 13 points. Morgan Smith and Maddie Fitzpatrick added 12 points each, while Kayla Prigge chipped in 11 points. As a team, 37.9% from the field, 47.6% from beyond the three-point arc, and 87.0% from the free throw line. Bluffton improved to 12-4, 5-3 HCAC.

Leading the way for the Black and Gold was first-year Hailee Kline (Huntington, Ind., Blackhawk Christian) with 13 points. Jessie Ringen added 11 points and 2 blocks during Wednesday's game. Ally Graber (Mooresville, Ind., Mooresville) pulled down a team-high 9 rebounds and tallied 2 steals for the Black and Gold. As a team, the Spartans shot 42.3% from the field, 40.0% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free throw line. The Black and Gold are now 6-9 overall and 2-6 in HCAC play. 

Up next, the Manchester men's and women's basketball teams will host the Earlham Quakers for another HCAC doubleheader. Tip-off for the women is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. with the men to follow at 3:00 p.m.