ST. JOSEPH, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team defeated the Minnesota Morris Cougars 64-42 on day two of the Saint Benedict Tournament in St. Joseph, Minnesota on Sunday, marking their first victory of the 2024-25 season. This game was also Hamline's first-ever matchup against Minnesota Morris.
The Pipers improve to 1-1, while the Cougars fall to 0-2.
Hamline 64, Minnesota Morris 42
In the first quarter, the Pipers led the Cougars 13-8, capitalizing on eight turnovers. Hamline made 4-of-16 baskets, including 3-of-10 from beyond the arc, and converted both free throw attempts. They also recorded four steals and had a 10-8 advantage in total rebounds. Morris was less efficient, making 3-of-11 shots and 1-of-3 three-pointers, while also contributing with three assists. Both teams scored three points from their bench, and the quarter featured two ties and three lead changes.
In the second quarter, Hamline outscored Morris 19-6, leveraging a strong shooting performance with 7-of-10 baskets, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. They also capitalized on turnovers, scoring six points off turnovers while maintaining a 9-6 advantage in total rebounds. The Cougars struggled from the field, converting just 3-of-15 attempts and failing to make any three-pointers, while the Pipers' bench added three points to the total.
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In the third quarter, Hamline outscored Morris 15-13, maintaining a steady lead. HU was efficient at the free-throw line, converting all six attempts, while the Cougars had four successful free throws. Both teams mirrored each other with four buckets, including one three-pointer each. The Pipers capitalized on turnovers, scoring six points off turnovers compared to four from the opposition despite committing five turnovers to the Cougars' seven.
The fourth frame saw Hamline outscore Morris 17-15 to secure a victory. Hamline shot 8-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, while securing nine total rebounds and committing six personal fouls. The Cougars shot 4-for-10 from the field, notched 6-of-8 free throws, and managed six rebounds while committing five turnovers. Hamline's defense was effective, recording two steals and one block against five steals and two blocks from Morris.
Lauren Cooper stood out for Hamline with her performance on defense, recording two steals in the game.Â
Kate Trachsel led the team in scoring, making five baskets and achieving a total of 14 points.Â
Evelyn Wiltrout also contributed defensively with two steals.Â
Sophie Stork was effective from beyond the arc, hitting four 3-pointers and tying for the team-high 14 points. Additionally,Â
Marina LaFreniere added two steals to the Pipers' defensive efforts. A whopping 19 individuals saw playing time for Hamline.
Maddy Grove led the Cougars with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting as well as four free throws. Grace Perry demonstrated defensive prowess with a team-high of three steals. Claire Stark also showed strong defensive skills, recording two steals and one block, while adding four points on 2-of-4 shooting. Itzel Salazar was effective on the boards, leading the team with seven rebounds as well as two points and two assists.
All-Saint Benedict Top Off Tournament Team
Olivia Hoerl (MVP) - UW-River Falls
Zoey Buchan - UW-River Falls
Megan Morgan - Saint Benedict
Maddy Grove - Minnesota Morris
Kate Trachsel - Hamline
The Pipers will host Northwestern (Minn.) in their 2024-25 home opener at Hutton Arena on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m.
