SAINT PAUL, MINN.--For the third-straight season, the Hamline University women's basketball team opened MIAC play with a win following a 61-46 road triumph of Macalester at the Leonard Center on Wednesday night.

The Pipers improve to 4-2, 1-0 MIAC, while the Scots fall to 5-3, 0-1 MIAC.

Hamline 61, Macalester 46

The first quarter saw Macalester start with a strong defensive presence, securing four steals and capitalizing on Hamline's turnovers to take an early lead. Sydnee Smith scored the opening points with a jumper at the 9:35 mark, contributing to the Scots' 12 points in the paint. Camille Cummings of the Pipers responded with a layup at 5:42 to put her team on the scoreboard to narrow the Scots' lead to 8-2. Despite Hamline's efforts, including Sophie Stork's successful free throws narrowing the gap, the Scots maintained a slight edge with a 12-8 lead at the end of the frame.

In the second quarter, the Pipers outscored the Scots 18-5, highlighted by a strong defensive effort and efficient shooting. Yasmeen Abed contributed significantly with two free throws at 6:37, pushing Hamline's lead to 21-12, and Camille Cummings added another two free throws at 2:19 to extend the margin to 25-17. During this frame, the Scots faced challenges with turnovers, committing six, while Hamline's Sophie Stork and Kate Trachsel each hit key 3-pointers. Additionally, the Pipers capitalized on the Scots' five fouls, maintaining control and building a substantial 26-17 advantage at halftime.

Hamline outscored Macalester 18-9 in the third quarter. Camille Cummings made significant contributions, including a layup and two 3-pointers, helping her team extend their lead to 31-20 with 6:53 on the clock. The quarter saw several turnovers from the Scots, with Mary Daley and Nicole Norton each committing one, while Peyton Starks contributed with a layup and successful free throws for the Scots. Hamline's Yasmeen Abed also made an impact with a 3-pointer and a jumper, further solidifying Hamline's cushion to 44-26 heading into the final 10:00.

In the fourth quarter, Hamline managed to score 17 points, while the Scots added 20 points to their total. It began with Yasmeen Abed missing a 3-pointer, followed by a turnover from Marina LaFreniere, which was quickly capitalized on by Peyton Starks of the Scots who made a layup and two free throws. Midway through the quarter, the Scots' Peyton Starks caused several turnovers and scored consecutively, contributing significantly to their fastbreak points. Despite this, Hamline's Kate Trachsel hit a 3-pointer with 5:36 left, helping maintain a 54-37 lead. The quarter saw an abundance of fouls from both teams, with Mary Daley and Peyton Starks frequently at the line for the Scots, while Sophie Stork and Camille Cummings scored important shots for Hamline. The quarter concluded with the Scots' Emma Karlin assisting Peyton Starks for a layup in the final moments, which closed the game's scoring in a 61-46 Pipers victory.

Camille Cummings led the Pipers with 20 points and seven rebounds. She also contributed six field goals made, including three from beyond the arc, and two steals. Sophie Stork was another key player, scoring 14 points and making 5 baskets, two of which were three-pointers. Kate Trachsel added 13 points to the team's effort, shooting 3-of-5 from the field and contributing four rebounds and three assists. Yasmeen Abed made significant contributions on defense with two steals along with seven points. Marina LaFreniere was notable on the defensive end, leading the team with four steals and five rebounds.

The Pipers defense held the Scots to 2-of-15 (.133) from beyond the arc, a season low from an opponent, and 16-of-45 shooting (.356). Hamline, who had a season-best 13 steals, shot 8-of-14 (.571) from three-point land and 19-of-43 (.442) from the field.

Peyton Starks led the Scots with a standout performance, scoring 23 points on eight-of-12 shooting, including six-of-six from the free-throw line. Starks also contributed defensively with seven steals and five rebounds. Another key player was Sydnee Smith, who added eight points and one block, one steal, and one assist. Mary Daley provided additional scoring with six points, making all four of her free-throw attempts and dishing out two assists. Samantha Smith led the team in rebounding, securing four defensive boards.

Hamline will host Bethel at Hutton Arena on Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m.