HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (11-4 overall, 8-0 HCAC) tamed the Grizzlies to remain perfect in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Wednesday evening, 71-54.
 
The Panthers landed four in double-figures led by sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) with 17 points. Teammates, senior Callie Wilder (North Vernon, Ind.) added 16 points, sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) chipped in 14 points and sophomore Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) netted 10 points.
 
The Blue and Red looked to push the tempo from the opening tip-off as Benter delivered back-to-back blows pushing HC on top 10-7 before Bezold set-up camp in the paint hitting a layup followed by a jumper as time expired to give Hanover the 17-12 advantage.
 
The Panther defense proved to be the difference in the second frame as they held Franklin to just five points. Hanover surged ahead using a 6-0 run paced by the hot hand of Benter from three-point, 25-14. Wilder dealt the final first half blow for the Blue and Red sending HC into the intermission with the lead, 31-17.
 
Benter led all scorers with 10 first half points while Bezold added eight points.
 
Clancy dominated the second half for Hanover as she netted six points in just four minutes of action to help extend the Panther difference to 41-25. Franklin would get as close as 46-39 when Benter sank a pair of free throws. The rest fell into place as Bezold connected on a pair of helpers giving Hanover the 50-39 advantage.
 
The final frame belonged to the Panthers as they outscored the Grizzlies 21-15 en route to the HCAC victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 14 when they welcome Manchester. Game time is set for 4:00 PM.