A nearly dead-even second half of play highlighted Manchester University's season opener Tuesday, Sept. 1.

After host and in-state rival Trine University rifled a goal into the Spartans' net less than two minutes into the match and added an own goal for a 2-0 halftime lead behind a 14-1 shots advantage, MU came back with four shots in the second half, one of which found the back of the Thunder net early in the frame, and narrowed the deficit to 2-1. TU, gaining just five offensive attempts in the final 45 minutes, managed to hold on for the 3-1 win, adding another score in the 70^th minute.

The goalkeeping combination of freshman Cami Holford (Valparaiso, Ind.) and Caroline Smith (Mason, Ohio) recorded 14 saves, the most in a match for the program since August 2013, in the face of a 19-5 shots lead for the home team. Senior forward Brandy Crouse (Cleves, Ohio) led the offense with two shot attempts and the lone goal, the 20^th of her career.

The Black and Gold continue a two-game road skein against the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Saturday, Sept. 5. MU goes to South Bend, Ind., for a 12 p.m. kickoff against St. Mary's College.

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