SAINT PAUL, MINN.—The Hamline University football team hosted first-year MIAC member St. Scholastica for their homecoming game at Klas Field on Saturday. The Pipers picked up their first MIAC victory since November 10, 2018 as they cruised past St. Scholastica 34-18 in front of 532 fans that braved the rain.
The Pipers improve to 3-1, 1-1 MIAC while St. Scholastica falls to 0-2, 0-2 MIAC.
Hamline 34, St. Scholastica 18
Triston Thompson set up Hamline's first score of the contest with a big 61-yard catch from Connor Leavens at their own 32-yard line down to the St. Scholastica five-yard line. Lucius Negrillo would convert a field goal to give Hamline a 3-0 advantage in the opening minutes of the game.
A 13-yard, and 34-yard catch by Matt Miller set up Hamline's second score of the contest, which put them at the Saints 18-yard line. Ryder Hutton cashed in with a 13-yard touchdown catch with 4:00 left in the first quarter that gave Hamline a 10-0 lead.
The Pipers added 10 more points in the second quarter courtesy of Hutton's 19-yard touchdown catch from Connor Leavens with 13:18 on the clock that made the score 17-0. Negrillo notched a field goal in the closing seconds of the second quarter to widen Hamline's lead to 20-0.
The Saints found the scoreboard for the first time off Pete Saint Fleur's 61-yard touchdown with 9:14 left in the third quarter that made the score 20-6. The Pipers made things 27-6 with 5:08 left in the third quarter when Leavens connected with Charlie Wilson for a five-yard touchdown reception.
The Saints held a 12-7 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as Hamline secured a 34-18 victory
Leavens finished the game 17-of-30 passing for 282 yards and three touchdowns for Hamline. Ryder Hutton recorded six catches for 88 yards and a pair of scores. Nikolas Rocafort led the ground attack with 57 yards. Carson Reinard commanded the Pipers defense with nine tackles, while Max Fick, Jevon Jones, Ryan Kouri, Godmar Gach and Isaac Alie each had a hand in a sack for the Pipers.
The Pipers will host No. 17 Bethel on Saturday, October 9 at Klas Field. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.
