SAINT PAUL, MINN- The Hamline University women's basketball team was back in action in Hutton Arena Wednesday night as they resumed MIAC play against St. Mary's. The Pipers looked to remain atop of the MIAC standings with a win and did just that taking care of the Cardinals 69-60.

The win improves the Pipers to a record of 9-1 (6-1 MIAC), while St. Mary's will fall to 3-7 (2-5 MIAC).

Hamline 69 St. Marys 60

The Pipers wasted very little time picking up where they left off before their extended break as they jumped to a 22-9 lead as the first quarter ended. The advantage only grew for Hamline in the second period pushing it out as far as 22 before going into the break with a 45-28 edge. The Pipers then held off a couple of third-quarter pushes from the Cardinals to bring a 58-45 lead into the final 10 minutes. That's when St. Mary's made their run cutting the Piper lead all the way down to 60-55 with six and half minutes left. The Pipers then got a response from junior Lydia Lecher who scored five-straight points to get the lead back out to double figures where Hamline cruised to the win.

The Pipers were led by Lecher's 17 points as well as her 13 rebounds, she was helped by Chan'el Anderson-Manning who posted 10 points.

On the St. Mary's side they were paced by Ashley Strevler who finished with 22 points connecting on five three-pointers, Brooklyn Paulson also added 13 points for the Cardinals.

The Pipers will be back in action next when they travel take on Augsburg this Saturday, January 7 at 3 p.m.