ELMHURST, Ill. – The Hanover Panthers opened the 2021-22 season on Friday evening with a convincing 72-54 road win over Elmhurst.
 
The Panthers were paced in the contest by the freshman duo of Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) and Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.). Benter finished with a game-high 15 points including a perfect 4-for-4 mark from the free throw line, while Heath added 12 points and three assists.
 
The opening quarter saw Hanover capture the convincing lead following a 14-0 run that was paced by junior Anna Bauer (Indianapolis, Ind.). After Bauer posted a perfect 4-for-4 mark from the charity stripe, Heath handled the rest hitting a fastbreak layup in the lane to propel HC in front 20-9.
 
The Blue Jays came soaring back in the second stanza as they were able to use a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 24-16 before getting it as close as 31-29 at the break.
 
However, the Panthers strung together a series of quick scores to open the second half that pushed the difference to 37-29. Hanover's strong showing from the free throw line continued as sophomore Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) sank a pair of freebees before a sophomore Kiara Crabtree (Franklin, Ind.) three-pointer sent HC in on top 51-45.
 
The rest was history as the Panthers went on to out score Elmhurst 21-9 in the final stanza en route to the 72-54 season-opening win.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 20 when they take on Otterbein. Game time is set for 1:00 PM.