HANOVER, Ind. – Hanover (14-7 overall, 12-2 HCAC) celebrated Senior Day on Saturday afternoon, defeating Manchester in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action, 71-44.
 
Prior to the contest, Hanover recognized three seniors Taylor Heath (Fairland, Ind.), senior Reese Sexton (Louisville, Ky.) and senior Ava Hilgenhold (Tell City, Ind.).
 
Hanover was led in the contest by sophomore Kylah Lawson (Columbus, Ind.) with 14 points and nine rebounds. Heath added 11 points with five assists for the Blue and Red.
 
The Panther offense got off to a slow start when Lawson went to work in the paint giving HC the slim 6-2 advantage. However, Manchester battled using their defensive success to claim the 9-6 lead with 4:23 to play. The early struggles ensued for Hanover when junior Kady Clancy (Scottsburg, Ind.) connected for a reverse layup and a fastbreak hook-up with Heath for the first quarter 16-9 lead.
 
Heath kicked off the scoring for Hanover in the second frame as she was able to use some nifty moves to get to the rim. Lawson continued to be the key factor late into the quarter out sizing the Manchester opposition. The sophomore helped propel Hanover into the intermission with the commanding 31-14 advantage.
 
The offense continued to fire on all cylinders in the second half with the duo of Heath and Lawson pacing the field. Hanover blew the contest wide open midway through the quarter as an 11-0 run saw them enter the final frame leading 53-33.
 
Hanover went on to outscore Manchester in the final quarter en route to the HCAC home victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 7 when they host Rose-Hulman for the Lexi Riggles Game. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.