Hanover Tops Bluffton for HCAC Women’s Soccer Tourney Title
Box Score (click here)
HANOVER, IN – Hanover College upended Bluffton, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon to pick up the school's first HCAC women's soccer tournament championship. The second-seeded Panthers (15-2-2) earn the school's first trip to the NCAA Division III women's soccer tournament with the win.
The Panthers and Beavers played a scoreless championship contest for most of the game with Hanover out-shooting Bluffton 21-5 during the match.
In the game's 81st minute Erin Hancock (Amelia, Ohio/H.S.) found the back of the net on an assist from Chloe Hutchinson (Louisville, Ky./Sacred Heart) to give Hanover a 1-0 win. The victory was Hanover's 17th straight win over Bluffton.
Hanover senior back Abbey Schmahl (Aurora, Ind./South Dearborn) turned in an impressive effort, anchoring the Panthers defense and earning the HCAC Tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
The Hanover defense did not allow a single goal during the HCAC tournament.
The Panthers will learn their first opponent in the NCAA tournament on Monday. The tournament's first/second rounds are scheduled for November 11-13.
