KALAMAZOO  – A successful 2-point conversion in the fourth overtime helped Kalamazoo College side-step a determined Manchester University football squad Saturday.

The Hornets (2-0) hit on pass completion for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion on their possession in the final overtime to gain an 18-16 non-conference decision.

Manchester (0-2) held a 16-10 lead before Kalamazoo took the ball after freshman quarterback Logan Haston (Avon, Ind.), winding up a strong afternoon under center, found fellow freshman Lance Shifferly (Decatur, Ind.) for a 26-yard scoring strike. The ensuing 2-point pass fell incomplete to set up the host’s game-winning situation.

Before the frenetic overtime finish, coach Shannon Griffith’s squad gave the host Hornets all they could handle for 60 minutes of regulation and beyond in front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 fans that gathered to celebrate the opening of newly-refurbished Angell Field. Haston helped lead the charge throwing for 200 yards on 20 completions with senior Kurt Monix (Crown Point, Ind.) and sophomore Collin Huffine (Centerville, Ind.) each hauling in six catches.

The Black and Gold held their hosts to a scoreless first half despite gaining only 52 yards on offense, as Kalamazoo missed a pair of field goals to close long marches. The Hornets finally broke through on the scoreboard on their first drive of the second half, going 70 yards on eight plays to make it 7-0.

Behind Haston’s aerial successes, the Spartans managed to counter in the fourth quarter. Hitting on four-of-five passing attempts on a 53-yard scoring drive, with three of them going to sophomore running back Austin Adams (Dowagiac), Haston helped set up Adams’ 18-yard burst into the end zone that occurred on a fourth-and-one attempt. The first three overtimes saw each side go one-of-three field goal attempts to make the score 10-10.

Adams joined Haston to aid in Manchester University’s 285 yards of offense with 16 carries for 51 rushing yards.

The youthful theme continued on defense as freshman defensive back Alex Wormuth (Noblesville, Ind.) turned in a team-high 11 tackles. Sophomore defensive lineman Stephen Coble (Edwardsburg) contributed two sacks, an interception, three tackles for losses and seven-and-a-half tackles.

Manchester continues its 2012 season by opening its home and Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference portion Saturday against Franklin College at Carl Burt Field. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.