Hanover, IN - The Panthers hosted the Asbury Universty Eagles today in what went on to be a muggy, early-evening contest.

Right away it was clear that both teams were going to have to exhaust themselves in order to walk away with a win. The weather was hot and humid, making that grass feel thicker, and legs heavier. 

The first-half of play was a huge mental battle for both sides - each team was leaving passes short, and lacking intensity. The period went on to end in a stalemate at 0-0.

After a much needed halftime break, Coach Watts and Coach Wirtley were able to realign the Panthers' focus - the girls came out ready to go right away.

Only five-minutes into the second-half, senior back Kate Bettner scored her second goal of the '24 campaign, coming off a dual-assist thanks to the efforts of senior forward Beth Cook and sophomore midfielder Kaleigh Schirmer. Just six-minutes later, the Eagles sophomore midfielder Payton Ardery would answer back off an assist from teammate and sophomore back Ann Sparks.

The Panthers continued to keep up their pace however, creating more fast-paced excitement in this back-and-forth second-half of play. Freshman forward Sydney Elliot was able to find her way through the Asbury defensive unit and find the feet of teammate and senior forward Callen Johnson for her second goal this season.

Then, just as the Eagles were making their final push to try and tie the game (down 2-1), the Panthers were able to make the most of a fast possession, and senior forward Beth Cook added to her point total another assist as she placed a ball just in front of the bottom-right corner of the goal for sophomore midfielder Cam Horsely to put away in the eighty-ninth minute.

Junior goalkeeper Emma Patterson had a terrific outing as well, commanding the defense and stating one save on the evening.

HC went on to win 3-1 in an electric second-half of play; a combination of the coaching staffs well-timed substitution calls and the athletes toughness and desire are what allowed the Panthers to earn the win.

Quick turn-around for girls and Coach Watts as the take the road for Naperville, IL to face the Cardinals of North Central College. Official game time is Friday September 20th at 6:00PM CST - live streaming and stats will be available.