HANOVER, Ind. – Despite falling to the no. 2 ranked Transylvania Pioneers in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action, Hanover played an impressive game led by freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) Wednesday evening, 62-50.
 
Berman finished with a team and career-high 16 points as junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) netted 13 points.
 
Turnovers plagued Hanover early in the opening frame as Transylvania was able to surge ahead 11-2. However, Kylah Lawson used a nifty up and under to halt the surge. Lawson brought the defensive pressure for HC pestering the TU offense to close out the opening frame behind just 15-6.
 
The Panthers began to settle in offensively in the second frame with Clancy connecting for a pull-up jumper that saw HC cut the difference to 19-12. Their inside presence appeared to be the key factor in the opening half as freshman Sammy Berman netted 10 first half points. Sophomore Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) sparked the Panther crowd at the 1:32 mark with a three-pointer that propelled them into the intermission at the 33-21 differential.
 
The Panther attack was stagnant for the early parts of the second half when Clancy penetrated the Pioneer zone finding back-to-back blows. The defense attempted to breathe life into the Hanover attack as a Berman layup and a Clancy old fashion three-point play pulled HC within 47-32.
 
The fourth quarter provided a scare to the Transylvania win streak with Katherine Benter hitting a jumper that pulled HC within 47-36. Berman continued her impressive evening burning the Pioneers defense with a back door cut at the 7:08 mark. The freshman collected the scoop and score but it just wasn't enough as Transylvania was able to hang on for the 62-50 victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 6 when they host Manchester for Senior Day. Game time is slated for 4:00 PM.