Box Score WHEATON, Ill. – The Hanover Panthers (1-0 overall) opened the 2022-23 season at the Wheaton Invitational holding on for the slim 53-50 season opening victory over host Wheaton.
 
Hanover was led in the contest by sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds. She posted a 10-of-19 mark from the floor.
 
The first half saw Hanover get off to a hot start as they surged ahead 9-4 following a three-pointer by sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.). However, Wheaton responded late in the first frame claiming the slim 17-16 advantage.
 
The back and forth battle continued with senior Callie Wilder (North Vernon, Ind.) connecting at the 7:51 mark in the second quarter to put HC back on top. Senior Anna Bauer (Indianapolis, Ind.) sank a pair of free throws late into the quarter before Wheaton delivered the final first half blow for the narrow 25-24 lead at the break.
 
Benter and Bezold led the one two punches out of halftime pacing a 10-1 outburst that saw HC jump ahead 34-26. But the excitement wouldn't last long as Wheaton slowly chipped at the lead tying the contest at 40-40 with just 8:32 left to play.
 
But the Panthers refused to roll over as a Bezold three point play pushed them on top 52-46 before securing the season-opening win 53-50.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 12 when they take on Elmhurst as part of the Wheaton Invitational.