NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Hanover women's basketball team defeated Manchester in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon following a career performance by freshman Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.), 84-68.
 
Bezold led the Panthers with a career-high 33 points, including 15-of-20 from the field. Freshman Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) added 18 points and nine rebounds.
 
After an even opening frame, the Panthers went to work. Benter paced the charge in the second quarter as she connected for a three-pointer before a Bezold layup sent them in front 36-31. Bezold continued to bring the hammer as she hit a hook shot as time expired to give HC the 42-35 halftime lead.
 
The third quarter saw Hanover extend their lead using a series of runs paced by Bezold in rout to the 66-48 advantage. Manchester looked to halt the charge but fell on successful as freshman Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) hit a jumper that propelled HC on top 71-53.
 
The rest was history as the Blue and Red opened the final stanza with a 10-0 run to secure the convincing HCAC victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 15 traveling to nationally ranked Transylvania. Game time is set for 7:00 PM.