HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover volleyball team captured the battle for the Victory Ball on Wednesday evening as they defeated Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Franklin in straight sets, 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-10).
 
With the win, Hanover moves to 15-9 overall, 6-2 HCAC.
 
The opening set saw Hanover land 16 total kills for a game-high .238 hitting percentage. Pacing HC in the set was senior Maddie Edwards (Jasper, Ind.) who charted a series of kills to push Hanover out front 5-2. The Panthers continued on the attack as junior Adrianne Vance (Indianapolis, Ind.) connected for a kill that extended the Panther lead to double digits. Junior Emma Harmon (Carmel, Ind.) provided the final dagger from behind the service line to secure the 25-17 set one win.
 
Set two saw domination from sophomore Casey Dunn (Fort Thomas, Ky.) who led a six run rally from behind the service line to help the Panthers run away to a 21-10 advantage. Franklin looked to erase the deficit pulling within 24-17 when Harmon connected for another Panther kill. HC added a match best 17 kills in the set.
 
The final set of the evening saw a balanced attack by the Blue and Red as a pair of service aces by freshman Maggie Schweitzer (Shelbyville, Ind.) and back-to-back kills from freshman Brookelyn Herrell (Greenfield, Ind.) propelled Hanover to the straight set 25-10 victory.
 
The Panthers wrap-up the regular season on Saturday with a trip to Rose-Hulman. First serve is set for 5:00 PM.