SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team took a narrow 38-37 lead into halftime, and exploded for a 28-10 third-quarter that gave them enough cushion in an 80-61 victory over Bethany Lutheran at Hutton Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Pipers improve to 6-3, while the Vikings fall to 1-9.

Hamline 80, Bethany Lutheran 61

The first quarter saw Hamline take an early lead with Anna Rynkiewich scoring the opening points through a layup at the 9:26 mark. Camille Cummings followed with a 3-pointer at 8:36, assisting Hamline to a 5-2 lead. The Vikings responded with Lexiss Trygg scoring multiple times, including a fast-break layup, bringing the score to 6-5 in their favor at 7:07. Yasmeen Abed played a crucial role for Hamline, scoring several layups and securing defensive rebounds, ultimately contributing to a 19-18 Piper lead before a 3-pointer at the buzzer by Kate Trachsel that extended the advantage to 22-18.

The second quarter began with Bethany Lutheran's Amelia Walker making a jumper, bringing the score to 20-22. Hamline's Sophie Stork capitalized on a foul by Lexiss Trygg, making two free throws to extend Hamline's lead to 24-20 with 9:13 on the clock. Marina LaFreniere's layup off a fast break pushed the score to 26-20 in favor of Hamline at 8:54, but the Vikings answered back with a layup from Amelia Walker and a jumper by Arinn McGee, narrowing the gap to 26-24 with 7:53 remaining. In the final moments, a 3-pointer by Josie Wiebusch and free throws from Kate Trachsel secured a narrow 38-37 advantage for the Pipers at halftime.

The Pipers outscored BLC 28-10 in the third frame, extending their lead significantly. The quarter began with Anna Rynkiewich scoring a layup at 9:20, which set the pace for Hamline. Evelyn Wiltrout contributed with an assist, helping Camille Cummings score a jumper at 8:40, increasing the lead to 42-37. The Vikings' Lexiss Trygg responded with two free throws and a layup, narrowing the gap to 42-41 at 7:30, but Hamline's Marina LaFreniere quickly countered with multiple successful jumpers, stretching the lead to 49-41 by 5:00. Hamline's defense capitalized on Bethany Lutheran's turnovers, with Yasmeen Abed and Lauren Cooper leading in steals, and Cummings closing the quarter with a strong offensive performance, including a 3-pointer and a fast-break jumper, finalizing the score at 66-46 heading into the final 10:00.

Both squads scored 14 points, with the Pipers maintaining their lead. At the start, Lauren Cooper hit a 3-pointer at 8:38, putting Hamline ahead 69-47. Despite some missed opportunities, BLC's Kenadi Arndt added points with two successful free throws at 6:57. Josie Schmidt solidified their advantage with a layup with 00:52 remaining, increasing the score to 78-58. In the final moments, Megan Spencer hit two free throws for Hamline, while Abby Maloney scored a layup for the Vikings, concluding the quarter with a score of 80-61.

Lauren Cooper stood out for Hamline with a notable defensive effort, recording two steals. Kate Trachsel contributed as a playmaker, leading the team with five assists. Yasmeen Abed was a key offensive player, scoring 12 points with six baskets made. Camille Cummings led the team in scoring with 16 points, including two 3-pointers. Sophie Stork was efficient at the free-throw line, making all eight of her attempts and also leading the team with three steals.

The Pipers shot .438 (28-of-64) and achieved a season-high 41 rebounds, 25 defensive rebounds, 16 offensive boards, and 12 assists

Lexiss Trygg led the team with 15 points, achieving five baskets on ten attempts and contributing defensively with two blocks. Juliana Ewald was a key playmaker, leading the team with five assists, despite not scoring from the field. Amelia Walker contributed significantly to the team's scoring, adding 11 points, while also recording a steal and a block. Kenadi Arndt matched Walker's scoring output with 11 points, displaying efficiency by making four of her five field goal attempts and going perfect from the free-throw line.

Hamline will host Martin Luther at Hutton Arena on Tuesday, December 31 at 3 p.m.