TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Behind double digit kill efforts from junior Claire Dennis (Bloomington, Ind.) and senior Emily Ertel (North Venron, Ind.), the Hanover volleyball team rallied to defeat Rose-Hulman on the road Saturday, 3-1.

The Panthers (22-5, 7-0 HCAC) conceded the opening set 25-14, before taking the next three sets and the match, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18.

Dennis tied a season high with 11 kills, while recording zero attack errors in 31 tries. The sophomore also led the team with three blocks. Ertel added 10 kills and junior Margo Main (Ann Arbor, Mich.) pitched in with eight.

With 25 digs, senior Monique Huynh (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the Panther defense. Sophomore Ally Williams (Fountaintown, Ind.) added 10 digs.

Junior Abby Crump (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the squad with 15 assists, while classmate Haley Alexander (Martinsville, Ind.) registered 11 helpers. Alexander also logged a team high four service aces.

The Panthers scored five of the first seven points in the second set as they looked to bounce back quickly from a first set loss to the Engineers (17-11, 5-2 HCAC). The run to open the second set was highlighted by back-to-back aces from Huynh. Hanover led for the remainder of the frame, tying the match at one-all with a 25-20 decision.  

With a two-point advantage in the third set, the Blue and Red used a quick 3-0 scoring spurt, with kills from Main and Ertel, to lead 11-6. Rose-Hulman closed the gap to as little as three points, but ultimately dropped the set to HC, 25-19.

The Panthers, who could earn the match victory in set four, scored six of the final eight points to earn a 25-18 triumph.

The win almost certainly gives Hanover a first round bye in the HCAC Tournament, which will take place in two weeks. The Panthers, who have won 25 consecutive HCAC regular season matches, are two-up in the loss column on the next three teams in the conference standings.

Hanover will look to secure its third straight HCAC regular season title and the opportunity to host the HCAC Tournament when they welcome Franklin at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Contact: Tyler Jester

jestert@hanover.edu