FRANKLIN, Ind. – Second half success propels Hanover (12-6 overall, 10-1 HCAC) to Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory at rival Franklin on Wednesday evening, 75-70.
 
Hanover finished with three in double figures led by senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) with a team-high 20 points. Junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) added 17 points while sophomore Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) netted 15 points.
 
The Panthers turned in a big first quarter claiming the early 8-4 lead following a junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) jumper. They extended the difference to 13-9 with a 5-0 run paced by Clancy at the free throw line. However, the Grizzlies battled using some strong post play to pull within 22-21.
 
In the second quarter both offensive attacks appeared nearly non-existent as they combined for just 14 points. Franklin outscored Hanover 8-6 to enter the intermission with the slim 29-28 advantage. Freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) led HC with nine first half points. As a unit, Hanover shot just 26 percent from the floor.
 
The second half saw the Panther offense find its grove as a Heath three-pointer and a Clancy floater in the lane saw HC capture the 43-38 difference. The hot shooting ensued with Lawson showing off some post moves to give Hanover the 47-38 lead.
 
But Franklin refused to be tamed using a 10-0 run to close out the third quarter and enter the final frame trailing just 49-48. Hanover found themselves locked in a battle as sophomore Lily Ernstes (North Vernon, Ind.) connected for her first points at the 8:41 mark to give HC the 53-52 advantage.
 
Hanover netted a short 5-0 run that provided them some cushion with just over six to play following success at the charity stripe. Lawson was the hot hand netting back-to-back layups that put the game just out of reach for Franklin. Heath handled the rest showing off her range en route to the win.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 27 when they travel to Bluffton. Game time is set for 2:00 PM.