The Hanover Panthers (12-4-2 overall, 7-1-1 HCAC) advanced to the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship Wednesday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half saw both teams battle defensively as Hanover recorded six shots compared to four from Transylvania. Despite creating scoring opportunities, neither team found the back of the net as the contest entered halftime tied 0-0.
Hanover continued to apply offensive pressure in the second half, recording eight shots while holding the Pioneers to four attempts. The Panthers also earned three second-half corner kicks but struggled to break the scoreless tie.
The breakthrough came in the 88th minute when freshman
Abby Smith converted a penalty kick to give Hanover a 1-0 advantage. The Panther defense held strong in the closing minutes to secure the shutout victory and advance to the HCAC Championship.
INSIDE THE STATS
Smith led the Panther offense with a game-high five shots, three of which landed on frame, including the game-winning penalty kick.
Freshman
Corinne Stevens added three shots, including two on goal, while freshman
Lyla Jacobs recorded two shots on frame.
Freshman
Kendall Moore was stellar in frame making five saves including several at point blank range.
Hanover outshot Transylvania 14-8, including a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal.
The Panthers also held a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks while committing five fouls compared to eight by the Pioneers.
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