CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Hanover Panthers (11-17 overall, 3-3 HCAC) were swept in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon as the Lions of MSJ took game one 9-1 before capturing game two 11-3.
 
GAME ONE
The Lions of Mt. St. Joseph roared first in the bottom of the second inning as they were able to push two runs across the plate, 2-0.
 
However, Hanover looked to battle back as sophomore Alex Miller (Miamisburg, Ohio) provided the clutch hit in the bottom of the fourth inning that scored pinch runner freshman Jade Wims (Indianapolis, Ind.), 2-1.
 
MSJ refused to be tamed blowing the game wide open in the bottom half of the inning plating seven runs on six hits and three Panther mishaps, 9-1.
 
Hanover attempted a comeback in the top of the fifth inning as senior Kendra Hutchison (Lafayette, Ind. ) reached scoring position before the Lions were able to chart three straight outs for the win.
 
GAME TWO
Hanover found themselves trailing early in the nightcap as the Lions plated one run in the bottom of the first inning.
 
The Panthers responded in the next half inning with freshman Cadence Northern (Jeffersonville, Ind.) providing the clutch RBI through the left side that plated sophomore Carson Kruse (Fort Branch, Ind.), 1-1.
 
But Hanover once again surrendered a big inning as the Lions of MSJ posted five runs on four hits to blow the game wide open, 6-1.
 
With their backs against the wall, Hanover came out fighting. Carson Kruse delt the clutch RBI in the third inning but the excitement was short lived as MSJ retired the threat.
 
The Blue and Red scored one final run in the top of the fifth inning before surrendering the doubleheader to the Lions.
 
Hanover returns to action on Tuesday, April 11 when they welcome Rose-Hulman to Kops-Bedel Stadium. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3:00 PM.