SAINT PAUL, MINN- The Hamline University women's basketball team was in action Saturday to face their toughest test of the season when they welcomed the College of St. Benedict to Hutton Arena. The matchup between two of the top teams in the MIAC did not disappoint but the Pipers dropped a tough one by a score of 53-52.

The first loss of the year will drop the Pipers to 7-1 (5-1 MIAC), while the Bennies will improve to 6-1 (5-1 MIAC).

Hamline 52 St. Benedict 53

It was the Bennies getting out ahead early in the first half in this battle of heavyweights in the MIAC. This was as the Pipers struggled to find traction on offense the first 20 minutes. At the end of the first half the Pipers found themselves trailing 28-17. The second half is when things really started to heat up as the Pipers wasted no time getting back into the game with a 10-0 run to open the half. From there the teams battled to a score of 41-36 at the end of the third quarter. Early in the fourth the Pipers found themselves back down eight when they fought their way back before a Michaela Stamer three-pointer put them ahead 50-49 with 59 seconds left. After a Bennie response Lydia Lecher then made a tough shot to put Hamline back on top 52-51. St. Benedict had one more in them though as they were able to convert on a layup with 7 seconds left, before the Pipers' final attempts were off giving the win to the Bennies.

The Pipers were led on the game by Michaela Stamer and Lydia Lecher each scoring 12 points and pulling down six rebounds.

For St. Benedict Sophia Jonas led all scorers with 13 points and Hannah Johnson added 11.

The Pipers will be back in action next Saturday at 2 p.m. when they travel to take on Crown.