SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team fell to Bethel 65-53 at Hutton Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Hamline falls to 4-3, 1-1 MIAC, while the Royals improve to 6-1, 3-0 MIAC.

Bethel 65, Hamline 53

The Royals took an early lead, with Anna Garfield contributing a layup within the first minute. Hamline's Evelyn Wiltrout responded with a layup to tie the game at 2-2, but Bethel's Lydia Hay quickly followed with a 3-pointer to regain the lead. Bethel extended their advantage, aided by Colette Duininck's 3-pointer and a series of turnovers by the Pipers, pushing the score to 10-2 with 4:44 on the clock. Despite some defensive rebounds and a fast-break layup by Isabella Jensen, Hamline struggled to close the gap, ending the frame trailing 17-6.

In the second quarter, Hamline managed to outscore Bethel 15-9. Early in the frame, Camille Cummings scored two free throws to cut into Bethel's lead. Elly Schmitz responded with a layup, pushing their Bethel's lead to 19-8 with 8:39 on the clock. Later, Kate Trachsel hit a 3-pointer for Hamline, bringing the score to 20-11. Bethel's Rosalie Penke hit a 3-pointer, extending Bethel's advantage to 26-14, but Hamline closed the frame strong with a fast-break layup from Camille Cummings, trimming the deficit to 26-21 at halftime.

Bethel's Elly Schmitz opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer, assisted by Lydia Hay, putting Bethel ahead 29-21 with 9:47 on the clock. Camille Cummings responded for Hamline with a layup at 8:45, narrowing the gap to 29-23. However, Bethel extended their lead with a series of free throws by Colette Duininck and Anna Garfield, pushing the score to 40-28 at the 3:25 mark. Despite a late effort from Hamline, which included a 3-pointer by Lauren Cooper, Bethel maintained control and finished the quarter with a 47-36 lead.

Hamline and Bethel engaged in a tightly contested fourth quarter. With 9:00 remaining, Yasmeen Abed scored a fast-break layup to narrow the score to 47-38 with 8:03 remaining. Elly Schmitz countered with a series of free throws, extending Bethel's lead to 49-38, and later added a 3-pointer to push the margin to 59-45 with 3:41 left. In the closing minutes, Bethel maintained their advantage, with Colette Duininck scoring a layup, while Hamline's Aliyah Wensel hit a 3-pointer. However, Bethel ultimately outscored Hamline 18-17 in the frame to secure the 65-53 win.

Camille Cummings stood out for the Pipers with a strong performance, leading the team in scoring with 20 points. She also made significant contributions by hitting six baskets, including one 3-pointer, and converting 7-of-8 free throws. Yasmeen Abed was another key player, contributing nine points and securing three free throws. Anna Rynkiewich showcased her defensive skills, leading the team with two blocks and four rebounds. Evelyn Wiltrout was effective on the boards, grabbing a total of three rebounds, while also recording one block and one steal.

Colette Duininck made a significant impact with 15 points, including three 3-pointers, showcasing her shooting ability. Elly Schmitz contributed on both ends with 14 points, three blocks, and two steals, highlighting her defensive presence. Anna Garfield was efficient from the free-throw line, making ten of twelve attempts, and recorded three steals, emphasizing her defensive prowess.

The Pipers will host St. Scholastica at Hutton Arena on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.