Box Score BLUFFTON, Ohio – Hanover (13-6 overall, 11-1 HCAC) used a balance attack finishing with four in double figures to knock off Bluffton on Saturday afternoon at the Sommer Center, 71-62.
 
Leading the charge was the duo of senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) and junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) with a team-high 14 points. Heath also added a game-high nine assists. Freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) finished with 12 points while junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) netted 11 points.
 
Hanover found themselves struggling in the opening minutes when Benter hit a free throw followed by a senior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) layup at the 4:11 mark that tied the contest, 6-6. The scoring frenzy ensued as Clancy hit a pair of layups before a sophomore Kaitlyn Lorenzi (Brentwood, Tenn.) three-pointer propelled HC into the second quarter with the 15-11 difference.
 
Benter showed her range helping spark a short Panther run that sent them in front 25-13 midway through the frame. Bluffton looked to find some momentum as they were able to net back-to-back blows, but Heath halted the surge with a three-pointer that gave HC the halftime lead, 34-23.
 
The Panthers remained red hot in the second half as HC extended their difference behind a Berman Layup, 47-29. Bluffton countered with 1:48 to play but sophomore Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) had other things in mind draining a deep ball stopping the Beavers in their tracks.
 
The final frame would see Bluffton pull within 55-48 but the excitement quickly dwindle as Benter was able to push the lead back to double figures at the free throw line. The rest was history as HC soared to the 71-62 victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 31 when they welcome no. 2 Transylvania. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.