TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Freshman Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) turned in a career night to lead the Panthers past Rose-Hulman in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Wednesday evening, 75-63.
 
The freshman netted a career-best 27 points with six assists. Freshman Kathrine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) added 14 points, while freshman Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) turned in 11 points.
 
Heath dominated the opening frame for the Blue and Red netting six first quarter points including a pair of free throws that knotted the contest at 8-8 with just over six minutes to play. Benter handled the rest as she deemed clutch down the stretch connecting on a pair of back-to-back jumpers to pull HC within 17-14.
 
The freshman continued to fire on all cylinders pacing a Panther comeback with back-to-back three-pointers late in the second frame, tying the contest at 27-27. However, the Fightin' Engineers got the final say entering the break with the 35-31 advantage.
 
The third quarter would see Rose-Hulman lead by as many as eight points when Heath pulled up for a jumper at the 5:29 mark to cut the difference to 43-37. The HC defense deemed a major factor as they were able to force a series of turnovers that disrupted the RHIT offense and fueled the Panther attack to their largest lead to date, 49-45.
 
The hot hand of Heath deemed the deciding factor as she continued her career night netting 19 points in the second half to lead HC to victory. Heath demolished her previous best of 14 points set against Bluffton earlier this season.
 
The Panther return to action on Saturday, January 29 when they welcome HCAC opponent Defiance. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.