SAINT PAUL, MINN- The Hamline University women's basketball team was back in action for a major MIAC matchup with Bethel at Hutton Arena Wednesday night. The Pipers used a dominant performance to come out on top, cruising to a 71-41 win over the Royals.

The win will improve the Pipers to 14-6 (11-6 MIAC), Bethel will drop to 11-8 (11-5 MIAC).

Hamline 71 Bethel 41

The Pipers were able to come out and take control early after a cold start. Hamline used a 17-4 run to close the quarter and take a 19-9 lead after a tough three was banked in by Larisa O'Neil at the buzzer. The Pipers then moved the lead out to 14 before Bethel could cut the lead back down to six. The Pipers were able close strong and got a big layup from Alyssa Williamson right before the half to take a 34-24 lead. Hamline wasted little time to get the lead up to 15 early in the second half, the Royals however had another response to try and keep it a game keeping the deficit at 10, when the Pipers got two huge three point plays from Camille Cummings with a Josie Wiebusch three-pointer in between them to spark a run to close the quarter with a 54-32 lead. The Pipers kept it rolling in the fourth holding the Royals scoreless for the first five minutes of the period and capping off a 23-2 run up 63-32 and cruising to the win.

The Pipers were led by Lydia Lecher turning in 17 points and grabbing nine boards, Camille Cummings had a big day as well with 14 points.

Bethel was paced by Courtney Nuest with 14 points, and got 13 points from Lydia Hagstrom.

The Pipers will be in action again when they travel to face St. Benedict on Saturday, February 4 at 3 p.m.