HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (3-9 overall) earned a split with non-conference foe Centre on Wednesday afternoon dropping game one 5-3 before picking up the victory in game two, 11-8.
 
 GAME ONE
The Colonels capitalized early on a Panther hiccup surging ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning. They extended the difference to 4-0 in the top of the fourth inning before adding an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning, 5-0.
 
However, Hanover refused to be shutout as senior Kendra Hutchison (Lafayette, Ind.) hit a single up the middle before senior Kensie Bradley (Greenfield, Ind.) delivered on a shot to center field. Senior Katherine Dickinson (Francisco, Ind.) loaded the bases later in the inning for the Blue and Red when a sophomore Carson Kruse (Fort Branch, Ind.) double to right field plated three runs, 5-3.
 
But Centre was able to retire the side and secure the game one win allowing just three runs on seven hits.
 
GAME TWO
Freshman Megan Ekart (Scottsburg, Ind.) recorded her first career win in the circle as Hanover defeated Centre in game two of the double-header 11-8. The game was called in five innings due to lack of daylight.
 
After giving up two runs in the top of the first inning the Panther offense erupted.
 
Kensie Bradley led the offensive attack in the bottom half of the inning doubling through the left side scoring Hutchison. Sophomore Dani Steward (Shelbyville, Ind.) followed it up with a double of her own before Carson Kruse kept the double train alive pushing HC out front 3-2.
 
Katherine Dickinson cleared the bases in the bottom of the second inning connecting on a triple to center field extending the Hanover advantage to 7-2.
 
The third inning would see the Panthers add several insurance runs with freshman Elliot Mays (Jeffersonville, Ind.) leading the RBI train. Kruse put an explanation point on the win later in the inning charting her first homerun of the season.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, March 11 when they play host to Capital. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM.