ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Hanover (1-1 overall) competed as part of the Webster Tournament finals this afternoon falling to the host 78-69.
 
The Panthers dominated the opening frame out scoring Webster 24-15. The period opened with Hanover surging ahead to a commanding lead behind senior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.). Senior Gace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) picked up where she left off the night before hitting a layup at the 1:11 mark to give HC the 22-13 lead. Benter netted the final two points of the quarter to send Hanover on top 24-15.
 
The second quarter saw a Webster offensive push as they were able to flip the script in their favor 29-28. Alexis Wines connected for a three-point before a sophomore Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) jumper saw Hanover reclaim the 37-35 difference. Webster clung to a 38-37 halftime lead.
 
After a slow third quarter the Panthers and Webster became locked in a fourth quarter battle. Webster hovered at a seven point advantage for much of the frame when a free throw with just over six to play pushed the lead to double digits. The rest was history as they out scored Hanover 27-21 en route to the Tournament win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Three Panthers landed in double figures as Bezold led the way with 22 points and seven rebounds.
 
Benter added a double-double netting 16 points with 12 rebounds.
 
Berman recorded 13 points for the Panthers.
 
Hanover returns to action on Thursday, Nov. 14 when they welcome Asbury for their home opener. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 PM.