Box Score BLUFFTON, Ohio – The Panthers scored early and often as they dominated the Bluffton University Beavers in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon, 7-1.
The Panthers (7-5-1 overall, 4-1-0 HCAC) were led in the contest by junior Josh Hughes (Lafayette, La.) with two goals on eight shots. As a team, Hanover finished with 34 shots, 18 of which were on frame.
The game's first goal came in the 16th minute as Hughes beat the Beaver defense for the early 1-0 lead.
The assault on net continued for the Blue and Red as sophomore Sean Fleming (Louisville, Ky.) played a ball into the box in the 21st minute that junior Brad Simpson (Allen, Texas) found for the score, 2-0. The Panthers would find another goal moments later as junior Nicholas Ash (Louisville, Ky.) made his way into the score's column with Hanover's third strike of the afternoon, 3-0.
The Blue and Red wasted little time extending their lead in the second half as sophomore Luke Eppler (Evansville, Ind.) and Hughes hit back-to-back goals pushing the HC advantage to 5-0.
Junior Ian Waldrop (Louisivlle, Ky.) got in on the excitement as he found his first goal of the season in the 69th minute before Bluffton finally scored, 6-1.
The game's final dagger came in the 89th minute as freshman Joseph Kerney (Newburgh, Ind.) netted his first goal of the year to secure the 7-1 victory.
The Panthers return to action on Wednesday, October 23 as they take on Transylvania. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
