HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (18-7 overall, 16-2 HCAC) was able to secure the no. 2 seed in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday evening defeating Mount St. Joseph 63-55.
 
Freshman Sammy Berman (Independence, Ky.) led the charge with a career-high 18 points. Junior Katherine Benter (Brownstown, Ind.) added 14 points while junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) recorded 11 points.
 
The Panther defense was key in the first period as they were able to hold the Lions scoreless for the opening five minutes of the contest capturing the 4-0 lead. However, MSJ was able to find a groove with a three-pointer that pulled them within 6-5. The freshman Berman stepped up for the Blue and Red as she was able to help propel HC into the second frame leading 12-10.
 
The second period remained very competitive as both programs stepped up defensively. Clancy provided a key bucket at the 6:38 point as time expired on the shot clock when Benter converted an old fashion three-point play for the 21- 17 advantage. Hanover strung together a 9-0 run that saw them capture their largest lead to date 33-23. Benter led the Panthers with nine first half points.
 
The second half saw both teams increase the pace of play as they looked to pressure the defense. Mount St. Joseph got the early success pulling within 36-31 when senior Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.) sank a three-pointer with 6:23 on the clock. MSJ refused to be tamed responding with a transition three-pointer that sparked a 7-0 run, 44-42. Hanover was able to weather the storm entering the final quarter clinging to a 48-42 advantage.  
 
Berman stepped up big for the Panthers in the final period as her mid-range jumper remained key. The freshman recorded six fourth quarter points en route to her career evening.  Despite a strong push by MSJ the Panthers were able to secure the no. 2 seed and the regular season victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday when they travel to no. 1 seed Transylvania for the HCAC Tournament.