HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (10-4 overall, 7-0 HCAC) used a balance attack to remain perfect in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon, defeating Earlham 67-48.
 
Sophomore Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds. Senior Anna Bauer (Indianapolis, Ind.) pulled in a team-high eight rebounds.
 
Hanover dominated the floor from the opening tip surging ahead 10-4 paced by junior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.). The junior pushed the difference to double-digits at the 1:46 mark before a Benter turn around jump sent HC to the 18-8 advantage.
 
The second quarter saw the Quakers erase the deficit as they were able to use a 13-2 run en route to the 23-22 lead at the 5:51 mark. However, the excitement quickly dwindled as Hanover netted the final eight points of the first half for the 30-25 lead.
 
Earlham looked to regain the lead in the second half, but Benter and the Panthers had other things in mind as the sophomore collected back-to-back strikes that pushed HC on top 35-30. The two teams continued to jockey for position when Benter slammed the door with a jumper as time expired, 50-40.
 
The final frame saw Hanover lead by as many as 19 points after a junior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) free throw at the 1:45 mark. The Blue and Red out scored Earlham 17-8 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
 
Hanover returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 11 when they welcome Franklin to Collier Arena. Game time is set for 7:00 PM.