Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College women's basketball team suffered its first Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) loss of the season 57-45 to Manchester University on Wednesday from the Spurlock Center.

Manchester (6-6, 3-2 HCAC) shot 48.8 percent and held a 34-25 rebounding edge in the contest.

Franklin (6-5, 4-1 HCAC) was led by senior Nichole Thompson (Greenwood, Ind./Greenwood) with 12 points. Junior Katie Brewer (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) and sophomore Mandy Fisher (Mooresville, Ind./Mooresville) each scored nine points.

The Spartans led 29-21 at halftime and led throughout the second half.

Franklin cut the lead to six points, 47-41, at the 5:02 mark after a layup by Thompson. The Grizzlies also got within six points at 51-45 with 2:40 left. However, Manchester scored the final six points of the game to pick up the victory.

Alyssa Hammond led the Spartans with 13 points. Katie Arterburn and Alyssa Smith each chipped in 11 points.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, January 10, at 1 p.m. when it hosts Anderson University on Alumni Day. Live audio, statistics, and video of the game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).