Hanover, IN (Alumni Stadium) - Hanover men's lacrosse moves to 6-2 on the season with a cold, wet, and gritty win over the Pioneers from Carroll University.

The game was moved from 4:30PM to a much earlier 1:30PM start to try and avoid weather delays. Unfortunately the game was still delayed due to lighting in the area around 1:20, forcing a near 2:00PM start.

Once the game got underway both teams seemed to be feeling the effects of the delay, and took a few minutes to feel out the pace. At around the nine and a half minute mark the Panthers struck first as senior attackman Alex Kleinhelter found his three-year running mate, junior attackman Colin O'Brien, for a backside doorstep goal. Just eighteen seconds later, senior midfielder Owen Parker was able to find an open Alex Kleinhelter on a fast break opportunity to make it 2-0, quick. HC kept it rolling by finding another scoring opportunity just over a minute later when senior midfielder Owen Cuniffe saw junior attackman Colin O'Brien alone again on the backside. 

Another four minutes later and the Panthers were able to make it 4-0 when Colin O'Brien returned the previous favor, assisting senior midfielder Owen Cuniffe. The Panthers maintained their 4-0 lead to close the first quarter.

The second quarter got off to a slightly quicker start as Carroll found their first goal of the game just over two minutes into the quarter, however, another lightning strike in the area brought the game to a halt (for another thirty minutes).

Once the weather induced intermission was over, the teams were granted a brief warm-up period before resuming the game at 4-1, HC's lead. The Panthers immediately got themselves going again with a swift face-off win by freshman midfielder Kasey Hospelhorn who initiated some quick transition offense and assisted senior attackman Alex Kleihelter to go up 5-1.

After a six minute stalemate, sophomore midfielder Gabe Hetrick was able to beat his defender one on one and add to HC's lead and revamp the team's energy. Carroll started to feel the pressure of the game slipping away however, and responded with a three goal run of their own to keep it within reach at 6-4. Hanover made sure to respond and increase their lead to four once again before the end of the first half when senior midfielder Owen Parker assisted teammates Colin O'Brien and freshman attackman Dean Henderson on back to back possessions.

The second half, though not as exciting on the scoreboard, saw plenty of action in between the lines as both sides clashed with intensity and competitive passion.

The third quarter saw each team net one goal a piece, Hanover's coming off an assist from Owen Parker to Colin O'Brien once again - and the fourth quarter only saw one goal by the Panthers when Alex Kleinhelter assisted senior defenseman Scott Dues on a fast break.

HC went on to win 10-5, with their defensive unit being the catalyst for today's tough win. Senior goalkeeper Lance Guttormson played all sixty minutes in frame for the Panthers, saving 14 of 19 shots on goal. Freshman midfielder Kasey Hospelhorn and junior defenseman Josh Adams lead the team in caused-turnovers with two each. Kasey Hospelhorn also lead the team in ground balls (10) and face-off wins (8-14).

Hanover's next game is a road match-up in Alma, Michigan where the will take on the Scots of Alma College. Face-off is scheduled for 12:00PM EST on Saturday March 22nd.

Statistical Standouts for the Panther from today's contest include:
Lance Guttormson (Sr, GK) - 14 Saves | 43 SF | 5 GA
Colin O'Brien (Jr, A) - 5 Pts | 5 GB | 1 CTO
Owen Parker (Sr, MF) - 4 Pts | 7 GB