Hanover, IN - Hanover hosted Transylvania University (Pioneers) today in a tough conference battle. The game was exciting from start to finish and filled with competitive back and forth action, forcing the athletes to bring out their very best.

HC came out poised, out pacing the Pioneers in shots, shots on goal, and corner kicks through the first half of play. Hanover also played a bit more physical in the first than their opponent, stating 4 total fouls to Transy's 1.

The Panthers took a one goal lead at the twenty-four and a half minute mark when senior forward Beth Cook relentlessly pushed up the left side and beat the keeper low.

The Pios, just a few minutes later, were able to tie it up at 1-1 by scoring on the rebound after a saved PK by junior goalkeeper Eamm Patterson.

Time expired in the first half with the score still 1-1, and both teams looking restless and unsatisfied as they went to their sidelines.

As the second half got under way the pace intensified, and both teams seemed to be playing with more urgency as tensions and stakes began to rise in this must-win conference match-up.

Transylvania began making a strong offensive push around the fifty-third minute was able to create chaos in the box near the Panther goal. HC, on an unlucky attempt to clear a crossing-ball, fell victim to an own-goal, giving the Pios a 2-1 lead.

The remainder of the second half was a back-and-forth scrap as the Pioneers fought to cling on to (and hoped to build on) their lead, and the Panthers tirelessly pressed counter-attack after counter-attack, led by an aggressive goalkeeping performance from Emma Patterson who challenged ball after ball and stated 7 saves in the second half. 

Hanover ultimately fell 2-1 in the contest, and is now 9-5-0 on the year, 4-3-0 in conference play.

The ladies next outing is scheduled for a 1:00PM EST kickoff in Richmond, Indiana at Earlham College where they'll take on the Quakers in their final road game of the regular season.