In the end, it was another step forward for the Hamline women's hockey team. The Pipers fell to Plattsburgh State, 4-0, in the NCAA D-III Championship game Saturday night at St. Thomas Arena. HU outshot the Cardinals, 29-28, but could not get a goal for just the second time this season. Still, it was a stride forward from a year ago when the Pipers finished third in the country.

"I'm proud of our season," said head coach Natalie Darwitz. "It was a stepping stone. We've come a long way in four years. There were a lot of firsts again this year."

Among those firsts: HU was was the first MIAC team ever to advance to the women's title game. It was the first time HU had appeared in a title game of any sort since the 1953 men's basketball team lost the NAIA Championship game.

Coming off a 3-0 win over St. Thomas the night before, the Pipers had a lot of energy out of the chute but PSU goalie Kassi Abbott would not relent. Hamline finished the first period with an 8-7 edge in shots on goal but trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes.

PSU scored again in the second period, outshooting HU by a 14-6 margin. The Pipers, however, had their chances but were stymied by Abbott. 

In the third period, HU held a 15-7 edge in shots but the Cardinals tacked on two more goals. Bre Simon led the offensive attack with six while Madison Kolbow and Olivia Arkell added three each. At her end, Jaela O'Brien recorded 24 saves. "We couldn't get rhythm tonight but credit Plattsburgh for that," Darwitz said.

The Pipers' final record of 23-4-3 set a team mark for victories in a season. It was the final game for seniors Becca Zarembinski, Taylor Ramthun, Julia Buffalini and Leah Schwartzman. (D Dani Perry is graduating in three years as well.)  "These guys paved the way for the future," Darwitrz said of her seniors. 

Said Schwartzman: "It's been a blast. I had a great time here. I'm looking toi coming back next year and see what these guys can do."