LEXINGTON, Ky. – Hanover (17-7 overall) dominated Mount St. Joseph as part of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament semi-finals, defeating the Lions 72-52 in a neutral site match-up at Transylvania.
 
Hanover was led in the contest by junior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.)with a career-high 30 points. She also dished out four assists and picked up two rebounds. Senior Anna Bauer (Indianapolis, Ind.) added nine points and four rebounds.
 
The Panthers dominated from the opening tip-off using a 9-0 run paced by sophomore Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) to surge ahead 17-6. The momentum carried into the second frame as Heath hit a pull-up before a pair of senior Anna Bauer free throws at the 8:31 mark pushed the difference to 21-8.
 
The Lions cut into the deficit using a small surge before a junior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) layup at the 5:00 minute mark halted the outburst. Heath handled the rest propelling HC into the intermission with the 35-20 lead after 14 first half points.
 
Hanover continued to be all gas in the second half with Heath dominating the offensive side of the floor connecting from long range when freshman Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) netted a turn around jumper at the 4:20 mark, 46-26.
 
MSJ strung together a slim run cutting the deficit to 46-30 when Heath once again deemed clutch propelling Hanover into the final frame leading 55-36. Senior Callie Wilder (North Vernon, Ind.) sank a pair of free throws followed by a Heath jumper that extended the difference.
 
With just under three minutes to play in the contest the Panthers sealed the victory at the free throw line advancing to the HCAC Tournament finals on Saturday afternoon taking on no. 1 seed Transylvania. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.