HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover softball team opened the 2021 spring season on Thursday afternoon taking on Wittenberg. The Panthers late rally fell short as they dropped the contest with the Tigers, 4-3.
 
The Blue and Red were led on the afternoon by senior Brittney Ralston (Lexington, Ind.) going 3-for-3 at the dish with two RBI's. In the circle, senior Lily Beurman (Evansville, Ind.) went the distance pitching a complete game with three strike outs.
 
The Tigers plated the first run of the 2021 season in the top of the fourth as a single to center field advanced a runner across home plate, 1-0. Wittenberg would extend their lead in the top of the sixth inning as a double to left field drove in the first base runner of the inning. However, the Tigers weren't finished as another double sent two more runs across home plate for the 4-0 advantage.
 
Hanover looked to rally in the bottom half of the inning as Ralston singled to right field scoring both sophomore Katherine Dickinson (Francisco, Ind.) and sophomore Kensie Bradley (Greenfield, Ind.), 4-2. The excitement continued for the Panthers as sophomore Kendra Hutchison (Lafayette, Ind.) delivered a monstrous hit to left field scoring Ralston, 4-3.
 
After a three-up, three-down top of seventh inning, Hanover looked to capitalize. They were able to get the game tying run to third base off a sacrifice bunt when Wittenberg retired the side from inside the circle to secure the non-conference victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, March 6 when they welcome Hope to campus. The double-header is slated to begin at 2:00 PM.