Lexington, KY – The No. 4 seed Hanover Panthers got their Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference softball tournament run off on the right foot as they upended the No. 1 seeded Transylvania softball team, winning 4-0 in the tourney opener for both teams.

Hanover utilized an effective first inning in which they tabbed two runs on no hits and a Transylvania error to take a 2-0 lead. The Panthers then let their defense shift into gear as the Pioneers were held to two hits at home for the day.

Hanover picked up one more insurance run each of the fifth and sixth innings to grow their lead to 4-0.

Meg Liter and Jessica Powell each picked up a hit for Transylvania, who moved to 26-12 overall. Hanover improved to 18-17 on the season and 10-7 against HCAC competition this year.

Sydney Griffin earned the win for Hanover, working the distance against Jenna Stiles. Hanover's ace issued three strikeouts and four walks, while Stiles registered two strikeouts and two walks.

The untimely loss for the Pioneers was their first of the season at home, and pushed them into a 2:10 p.m. matchup with Franklin in an elimination game. Hanover moves to a 4:00 p.m. scheduled game with Anderson, who won in the tournament opener against Franklin.