SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team defeated Martin Luther 74-51 at Hutton Arena on New Year's Eve. This victory marked the Pipers' seventh-straight win against the Knights, a streak dating back to the 2006-07 season. HU's 76 field goal attempts in the contest were the most since 76 in a 67-55 loss to Bethel on February 4, 2015.
Hamline improves to 7-3, while Martin Luther falls to 6-3.
Hamline 74, Martin Luther 51
The Pipers took an early lead with an 18-9 first-quarter advantage. The Knights' Lydia Feidt opened the scoring with a layup, but the Pipers quickly responded with
Anna Rynkiewich scoring at 8:51 to tie the game 2-2.
Kate Trachsel contributed significantly with two 3-pointers, the first at 7:36, and the second at 6:14, which helped build HU's lead to 8-2.
Yasmeen Abed was active on both ends, recording multiple assists and steals, including a fast-break layup assisted by
Lauren Cooper to push Hamline's advantage to 16-7 at the 2:25 mark. The Knights struggled with turnovers, committing eight in the frame, which the Pipers capitalized on to maintain their 18-9 lead.
Hamline outscored Martin Luther 17-8 in the second quarter, with significant contributions from
Sophie Stork and
Camille Cummings. Stork made a three-pointer at 8:37, and later added a layup, while
Camille Cummings hit a 3-pointer with 0:21 remaining, pushing Hamline's lead to 35-16. The Pipers' defensive efforts were evident, as they secured 16 total rebounds and forced turnovers, maintaining a strong 35-17 halftime lead.
The third quarter saw the Pipers extend their lead over Martin Luther with a strong offensive performance.
Marina LaFreniere started the quarter with two successful free throws, contributing to an early six-point run. Hamline maintained control with
Camille Cummings hitting a 3-pointer at 5:05, followed by
Sophie Stork's three-point shot with 4:21 left, pushing their lead to 57-28. Despite the Knights' efforts, including a couple of 3-pointers from Lydia Feidt, Hamline's consistent scoring secured a 63-38 advantage through three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Pipers started with a foul by
Kate Van Helden, allowing Grace Kieselhorst to score a free throw for the Knights in the opening minute.
Kate Trachsel then made a jumper at 8:14, off an assist by
Aliyah Wensel. Martin Luther's Mya Morris responded with a 3-pointer at 7:56, narrowing their deficit to 65-45. Hamline's
Emma Lamppa contributed significantly with a 3-pointer at 3:53 and a layup shortly after, extending the Pipers' lead to 70-47. As the quarter progressed, Hamline capitalized on turnovers by the Knights, with
Taylor Klement and
Aliyah Robran scoring layups in quick succession to maintain their lead. Despite Martin Luther's efforts, the Pipers maintained control, ending the game with a 74-51 victory.
The Pipers registered a season-best 21 assists, 14 steals, 45 rebounds, and 76 field goal attempts while shooting .382 (29-of- 76). Their defense forced 24 turnovers, and held Martin Luther to .288 (17-of-59) shooting.
Camille Cummings led the scoring efforts with 19 points, successfully converting six field goals, three of which were 3-pointers.
Yasmeen Abed also made a significant impact with a team-high of 10 points, reflecting her five successful field goals.
Sophie Stork demonstrated efficiency with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, including two 3-pointers. Defensively,
Kate Trachsel excelled by securing three steals, while
Marina LaFreniere contributed both defensively and on the boards with three steals and eight total rebounds.
Mya Morris led the Knights offensively with 15 points, connecting on six-of-19 field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers. Lauren Paulsen was a defensive presence, notching two blocks in her game. Ella Walz contributed with two steals, showcasing her defensive capabilities. Ava Stein also made a significant impact on defense, leading the team with three blocks while adding three points and seven total rebounds to her performance. Emma Dorn was notable for her all-around effort, leading the team in rebounding with eight total boards and adding seven points.
Hamline will resume MIAC play at Saint Benedict on Saturday, January 4 at 1 p.m.
