Box Score Jordan Sammons burst out of the gate for the 2013-14 gunning ... and freshman Chelsey Bonsante wasn't far behind. 

Sammons (pictured with the ball) threw in a career high 35 points -- the most by a HU shooter in many years -- and Bonsante chipped in with 15 as the Pipers chased Northwestern all night before falling, 81-72, at Hutton Arena. 

Sammons went 14-for-25 from the field and 5-for-9 from three point range in the HU season opener. She added a team high eight rebounds. Bonsante came off the bench with a hot hand as well, hitting six of nine field goal tries, including three of five from long distance. Another freshman -- guard Chloe Graves -- added 10 points and a team high five assists.

With Sammons the lone regular starter from last season in the starting lineup, HU went on the attack early, chasing the Eagles all over the arena early, building a 43-30 halftime edge. 

Northwestern, however, was playing its fifth game of the season. And that experience paid off in the second half as the Eagles slowly whittled away at the HU lead. They grabbed the lead for good with about five minutes to play and then used a huge advantage at the free throw line to seal the verdict.

Despite a huge height disadvantage, Hamline managed a 42-37 edge in rebounds for the game. In addition to Sammons, Rachel Usgaard had eight boards. 

The Pipers open MIAC play at Gustavus Adolphus December 4.