LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Hanover Panthers opened the 2021 season with a straight set victory over non-conference foe Spalding, 3-0 (25-21, 25-9, 25-20).
 
The Panthers were paced by senior Kelsey Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind.) with a game-high 11 kills, while junior Adrianne Vance (Indianapolis, Ind.) added 10 kills. Ketcham also dished out an impressive 30 assists for a game-high 12 points.
 
Set 1
The opening set saw the Panthers use a series of runs to capture the early 7-4 lead. However, Spalding responded rattling off three straight points to capture the 11-9 advantage. Ketcham went to work, using back-to-back kills to propel HC back in front. Senior Emma McPeek (North Vernon, Ind.) delivered late in the set as she connected for a kill that saw the Blue and Red extend the difference to 22-18. Ketcham provided the final dagger as Hanover jumped out to the 1-0 lead.
 
Set 2
The Panthers wasted little time in set two using a balanced attack to pace a 10-point outburst that saw Hanover capture the 13-2 lead. Vance continued on the attack for the Blue and Red as she connected for a kill that sparked another HC rally before a junior Emma Harmon (Carmel, Ind.)  kill sealed the 25-9 win.
 
Set 3
The final set would see the Panthers surge ahead before a series of HC miscues cut the difference to 6-5. The Golden Eagles claimed the lead moments later when Ketcham responded with a kill that capped a 5-0 outburst. With the set knotted at 18-18, the Panthers continued to battle as Vance delivered from behind the service line propelling Hanover to the straight set victory.
 
The Panthers return to action on Friday, Sept. 3 when they travel to Ohio Northern for the ONU Tournament.