Box Score SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Hanover (9-2 overall) finished the week 2-0 after defeating Stevenson 69-41 on the final day of the Puerto Rico Classico.
 
The Panthers soared to a double-digit lead in the first quarter as junior Alexis Wines (Lebanon, Ind.) used a hesitation move followed by a senior Grace Bezold (Covington, Ky.) layup that pushed them in front 10-2. The offensive explosion continued as senior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) netted a three-pointer and junior Lily Ernstes (North Vernon, Ind.) used a nifty post-move propelling Hanover in front 21-10.
 
The Hanover defense fed the offense as Wines pulled in a defensive board and found sophomore Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) for a transition jumper at 9:13 to play in the second quarter. Bezold and Berman packed a one-two punch as they were able to extend the difference 33-14 midway through the frame. Hanover entered the locker room with a commanding 37-20.
 
Senior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) amped up the pressure in the second half as the veteran was locked in on the defensive side of the floor. She helped the Panthers generate a Benter score with 4:16 on the clock in the third quarter before finding Kaitlyn Lorenzi in the lane, 52-23. Hanover outscored Stevenson 18-6 in the frame en route to the 55-26 advantage.
 
That's all she wrote as the Panthers were able to close out the fourth quarter securing the 69-41 victory and sweeping the Puerto Rico Classico.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
Bezold led the Panthers with 16 points and eight rebounds going perfect from the free throw line.
 
Berman added 13 points with seven rebounds while Benter recorded 10 points.
 
Hanover will return to Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference on Saturday, January 4 when they travel to Bluffton. The game time is slated for 3:00 PM.