HANOVER, Ind. – Despite landing three in double figures, Hanover (2-2 overall, 1-0 HCAC) dropped a very competitive non-conference battle to Centre on Monday evening inside Collier Arena. The Panthers fell 89-86.
 
Junior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) finished with a game-high 27 points while junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted 21 points. Sophomore Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) recorded a career best 16 points.
 
The opening stanza saw a stellar performance by the Panthers as the combo of Bezold and Benter helped propel HC in front 16-2 following a 12-0 run. The scoring frenzy ensued as Lawson hit a baseline runner at the 2:33 mark putting HC on top 22-12. However, Centre began to settle in as they outscored Hanover 8-2 in the final two minutes to pull within 24-20 through one complete quarter.
 
The Colonels claimed their first lead just minutes into the second frame after a three pointer at the 7:07 point pushed them on top 29-26. In a contest that quickly became a battle, Benter delivered. The junior connected for her fourth three-pointer before hitting a fast break layup to put HC back on top, 34-32. Bezold turned in a 20-point first half performance to help send the Panthers into the intermission with the 47-45 advantage.
 
The second half was a high paced shootout as both teams displayed success on the offensive side of the floor. Bezold put Hanover on top 51-50 with just over six minutes to play when Centre delt a deep dagger. Sophomore Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) made her way into the score's column at the 3:18 mark providing back-to-back Panther blows to pull HC within 60-58.
 
Trailing 67-62 with one period remaining, Lawson looked to spark the offense. The sophomore netted a series of shots to erase the five point deficit and give Hanover the 70-69 lead with just under seven to play. Centre continued to hang around when Benter recorded her fifth three-pointer of the evening in hopes of stealing the momentum. 
 
However, the final three minutes turned into a marathon as tensions rose. The Colonels used a corner three-pointer at the 1:44 point to claim the 87-82 lead when senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) refuted with her own three-pointer to pull HC within 87-85. However, it wasn't enough with Centre hanging on for the non-conference win.
 
Hanover returns to action on Friday, Dec. 1 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. and take on the Bears of WashU. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 PM.