DANVILLE, Ky. – Hanover (3-2 overall) returned from the holiday break on Sunday afternoon defeating non-conference foe Centre, 65-47.
 
Sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) led all scorers with a game-high 22 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the floor. Teammate, sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) added 13 points.
 
The Panthers opened the contest with a strong 6-0 run paced by Benter from the free throw line. The offense continued to fire on all cylinders late into the quarter as junior Maddi Sears (Carmel, Ind.) and Bezold dealt back-to-back buckets pushing Hanover on top, 13-5.
 
However, the second quarter saw the Colonels come storming back using a 12-0 run to tie the score at 17-17 with 4:51 to play before claiming the 24-23 halftime lead.
 
Junior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) piloted the Panther offense to open the second half helping to propel HC back in front 33-29 at the 5:38 mark. They extended the difference to double digits with 2:30 remaining following a Benter deep ball. The Panthers entered the fourth quarter with the 49-35 advantage.  
 
The Colonels pushed the tempo in the final frame looking to erase the double-digit deficit, but the Panther defense had other things in mind forcing a game-high 16 total turnovers en route to the victory.
 
The Panthers return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 30 when they open Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action welcoming Anderson. Game time is set for 7:30 PM.