HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers erased an 11-point first quarter deficit to defeat Centre in non-conference action on Sunday afternoon, 69-65.
 
With the win, Hanover moves to 3-1 overall while Centre falls to 2-3 overall.
 
The Panthers saw four players finish in double figures, paced by freshman Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) with a team-best 12 points. Senior Liz Tynan (Columbus, Ind.), sophomore Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.), and junior Keaton Chastain (Paoli, Ind.) netted 10 points apiece.
 
After falling behind 24-13 in the opening frame, the Panthers came charging back as they were able to string together a 12-0 run led by Sexton. The sophomore connected for a three-pointer at the 4:27 mark in the second quarter before drawing a foul and sinking a pair of free throws.
 
Hanover claimed the lead moments later as sophomore Kiara Crabtree (Franklin, Ind.) hit a fastbreak layup to push HC on top 34-33 before a Colonel last second attempt gave them the halftime advantage.
 
The second half saw Hanover fall behind when a Benter layup and a sophomore Addie Gardner (Anderson, Ind.) jumper pushed HC out front 41-40. The Panthers continued to apply the pressure late into the frame as a freshman Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) free throw sent HC to the 53-50 advantage.
 
The Colonels looked to make one final charge in the fourth quarter but were combated by back-to-back blows from Chastain. The Panthers never slowed down as a pair of Benter free throws sealed the home opening victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Monday, Nov. 29 when they travel to Spalding. Game time is set for 7:00 PM.