SAINT PAUL, MINN.—The Hamline University women's basketball team made the short trek to Bethel for a Wednesday-night match-up. The score read 34-34 heading into the fourth quarter, where the Pipers grabbed the lead and never surrendered it to secure a 54-48 victory.

Hamline stays unbeaten at 5-0, 3-0 MIAC, believed to be their best start in program history. Bethel falls to 2-3, 2-1 MIAC.

Hamline 54, Bethel 48

The Pipers jumped to a 9-0 advantage with 5:57 left in the first quarter, but it was their defense that carried them throughout the first half as they held Bethel to a dismal 6-of-29 (.207) clip, which included a 2-for-17 (.118) mark in the first quarter. Their stellar defense helped them lead from start-to-finish in a first half that resulted in a 29-21 score.

Both teams struggled shooting in the third quarter, as they combined for a 7-of-24 (.292) figure. It was Bethel who kicked-off the frame with a 12-0 run, which resulted in their largest lead of the game at 33-29 with 4:14 left. Alyssa Williamson would take over, as she single-handedly engineered a 5-1 Piper run with five points to knot the game at 34-34 heading into the fourth quarter.

Lydia Lecher scored eight of her nine points in the fourth quarter, where the Pipers never trailed en route to a 54-48 victory.

Williamson led Hamline with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Larisa O'Neil notched 13 points, five boards, and two steals. The Pipers finished the game 20-of-47 (.426) from the field, and held Bethel to 17-of-58 (.293.). Courtney Nuest led the Royals with 12 points.

Hamline will host St. Olaf on Saturday, December 3 at 3 p.m.