SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team defeated St. Scholastica 57-38 at Hutton Arena on Wednesday night. This victory further solidified Hamline's dominance over St. Scholastica, as they are now 6-1 against them since becoming MIAC opponents.

Hamline's defense held St. Scholastica to a .286 (12-of-42) field goal percentage, a season-low by an opposing team, while their offense came through with a .392 (20-of-51) shooting mark and a .467 (7-of-15) clip from beyond the arc.

The Pipers improve to 5-3, 2-1 MIAC, while the Saints fall to 4-5, 2-1 MIAC.

Hamline 57, St. Scholastica 38

Both teams struggled to establish a dominant lead in the opening frame, resulting in a tied score of 8-8 after 10:00. Early in the game, Jackie Johnson of St. Scholastica successfully made a 3-pointer, giving the visitors an initial advantage. Hamline's Marina LaFreniere responded with a layup and a free throw, briefly putting the home team ahead 5-3. St. Scholastica's Ava Haus then hit a 3-pointer, regaining the lead for the visitors at 6-5. Finally, Kate Trachsel tied the game with a 3-pointer, bringing the score to 8-8. Both teams committed several turnovers, with a total of five each, contributing to the evenly matched score.

Hamline narrowly outscored the Saints 14-13 in the second quarter. The frame began with Ava Haus of St. Scholastica hitting a 3-pointer, assisted by Jackie Johnson, which gave them a 11-8 lead with 9:48 on the clock. Shortly after, Yasmeen Abed of Hamline made two free throws, giving the Pipers a slight lead at 13-11 with 7:45 left in the quarter. Camille Cummings contributed significantly for the Pipers with a 3-pointer at the 4:44 mark, bringing the score to 18-15. Towards the end, Evelyn Wiltrout made two consecutive layups, assisted by Kate Trachsel, which helped solidify Hamline's lead before Ava Haus closed the quarter with another 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to a single point at 22-21.

In the third quarter, Hamline took control with a strong 20-point performance compared to St. Scholastica's 10. Camille Cummings led Hamline's scoring surge, contributing with a layup, a jumper, and two free throws, and Yasmeen Abed added to the momentum with multiple layups and a jumper. The Saints struggled to retain possession, committing eight turnovers, which Hamline capitalized on with four steals. St. Scholastica's Gabby Voigt and Jada Bierschbach each made significant 3-point contributions, but Hamline's defense, including a crucial block by Anna Rynkiewich, helped maintain their lead throughout the frame. It brought the score to 42-31 heading into the final 10:00.

Hamline's defense was effective in the fourth quarter, forcing nine turnovers by St. Scholastica while capitalizing on them with six steals. The quarter began with both teams missing early opportunities, but Hamline's Camille Cummings scored two free throws at 8:00 to extend their lead to 44-33. Following a series of turnovers by the Saints, Hamline's Kate Trachsel hit a 3-pointer, pushing the score to 49-33 with 6:31 remaining. St. Scholastica struggled offensively, scoring only seven points in the frame, while Hamline maintained control, closing out the game with a 57-38 victory.

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— Hamline Athletics (@HUPipers) December 12, 2024

Kate Trachsel stood out for the Pipers, scoring 19 points with a strong shooting performance, making 7-of-10 field goals and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Brittney Draeger contributed defensively with two steals. Lauren Cooper also made an impact on defense, recording two steals along with three assists. Yasmeen Abed provided offensive support by scoring 12 points and adding another two steals. Anna Rynkiewich was notable for her defensive work, achieving two blocks and collecting five rebounds.

Ava Haus led the Saints with a standout performance, scoring 15 points, including five 3-pointers made, out of 11 attempts. Gabby Voigt contributed significantly with seven points, shooting three-of-four from the field, and grabbed six rebounds. Kloey Lind was effective on the boards, securing eight rebounds and adding three points to her tally. Daysia Simmons made her presence known on defense with two steals. 

The Pipers will host Bethany Lutheran at Hutton Arena on Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m.