ADA, Ohio – The Hanover Panthers wrapped up the weekend taking on the no. 16 ranked Muskingum Muskies as part of the final day of the Ohio Northern Invitational. The Blue and Red dropped a hard fought contest 3-2 (22-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-19, 9-15).
 
Set One
After falling behind 4-1, the Panthers looked to rally as an junior Emma Harmon (Carmel, Ind.) kill cut the deficit to one point. The surge continued for HC as a six point rally paced by junior Adrianne Vance (Indianapolis, Ind.) from behind the service line sent the Blue and Red out front 16-15. However, Muskingum remained poise as they were able to combat the attack and claim the final two points for the set one victory.
 
Set Two
Set two would see the Panthers use a series of runs to knot the contest at 1-1. Senior Maddie Edwards (Jasper, Ind.) and Vance sparked the offense early as the connected for back-to-back kills that pushed HC in front 6-4. The excitement continued as senior Kelsey Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind.) sparked another Panther rally that saw them extend the difference to 13-7. But Muskingum refused to roll over as they were able to pull within 15-14 when Harmon went to work pushing Hanover back in front 20-14. The final dagger came from senior Emma McPeek (North Vernon, Ind.) knotting the game at 1-1.
 
Set Three
Hanover and Muskingum exchanged points for much of set three when a five point Muskie outburst saw them capture the 14-9 difference. The momentum continued to carry for the Muskies as they were able to hold on for the 25-19 victory.
 
Set Four
The Panthers went on the attack in set four as kills by Edward and Vance gave them the 5-1 lead. The back-an-forth battle continued as neither team could gain an edge when a Vance strike push the Panther lead to 16-11. Hanover claimed the final four points of the set as Ketcham delivered a service ace that tied the game once more, 2-2.
 
Set Five
Muskingum dominated much of the final set as they jumped ahead early and never looked back. The Muskies would go on to claim the match winning the final set 15-9.
 
Hanover returns to action on Friday, Sept. 10 when they take on Otterbein. First serve is slated for 5 PM.