LEXINGTON, Ky. – Hanover (16-25 overall) saw their season come to an end on Friday afternoon as part of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament in dramatic fashion. They defeated Defiance before falling to the Grizzlies of Franklin.
 
GAME ONE
With their backs against the wall the Panthers delivered in a major way surging ahead in the top of the first inning as sophomore Dani Steward (Shelbyville, Ind.) provided the clutch RBI pushing HC out front 1-0.
 
Freshman Cadence Northern (Jeffersonville, Ind.) pushed the difference to 3-0 on the next at-bat with a rope of an RBI down the line that plated two more runs.
 
The fourth inning saw the Blue and Red secure the win as sophomore Lauren Beaman (Indianapolis, Ind.) delivered a deep shot to left center that extended the Hanover lead to 4-1. The scoring frenzy ensued with Steward once again coming in clutch connecting for a two RBI single before sophomore Alex Miller (Miamisburg, Ohio) entered the party.
 
Freshman Elliot Mays (Jeffersonville, Ind.) called game later in the inning with a double down the left field line propelling HC to the 9-1 Tournament advancing victory.
 
GAME TWO
The Panthers closed out their season locked in a pitcher dual with neither team giving an edge. However, Franklin found a bright spot in the top of the fourth inning as a homerun to left center put them on top 2-0.
 
They added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning following a questionable home run down the left field line that saw them push the difference to 4-0.
 
Hanover refused to be shutout using a sixth inning surge. Beaman led the surge as she doubled to center field pulling HC within 4-2. They plated what would become their final run of the 2023 season off the bat of Steward, 4-3.
 
Beaman got the start in the circle pitching a complete game with three strikeouts.