SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team defeated Augsburg 64-45 at Hutton Arena on Saturday afternoon. 

The Pipers improve to 9-4, 4-2 MIAC, while the Auggies fall to 2-11, 0-6 MIAC.

Hamline 64, Augsburg 45

The Pipers took an early lead with Marina LaFreniere scoring two free throws at the 9:06 mark of the first quarter. Augsburg's Wakinyela Bear responded quickly with a 3-pointer, assisted by Katie Manecke, to initially take the 3-2 lead with 8:48 on the clock. Camille Cummings was pivotal for the Pipers with a layup followed by a successful free throw, contributing to a 7-0 run that put Hamline ahead 8-4 with 6:19 remaining in the frame. Despite a series of missed shots from both teams, Hamline maintained their advantage, closing the quarter 17-9, largely due to efficient free throw shooting and a three-pointer by Kate Trachsel.

Hamline showed strong offensive play in the second quarter, with Josie Schmidt contributing multiple layups, bolstering their lead. Yasmeen Abed was active on both ends, with a key layup at 6:54 and assisting on a fast-break layup by Josie Wiebusch with 2:12 left in the quarter to give the Pipers a 37-18 lead before they went into the locker room with a 39-22 halftime advantage.

In the third quarter, the Pipers started strong with a layup by Camille Cummings at the 9:41 mark, extending their lead to 41-22. Augsburg responded swiftly with a 3-pointer from Wakinyela Bear, reducing the deficit to 41-25. Lauren Cooper made significant contributions for Hamline, including a fast-break layup with an assist from Cooper, increasing the score to 47-29 with 5:37 left in the quarter. Despite Augsburg's efforts, including a 3-pointer from Maecee Alexander, Hamline maintained control, ending the quarter with a 52-38 lead.

Hamline secured a 12-7 fourth-quarter advantage to close the game. Hamline's Anna Rynkiewich started the frame with a successful jumper at the 9:19 mark, extending the lead to 54-40. Augsburg's Lani Fonoti responded with a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to 54-43 with 9:03 on the clock. Yasmeen Abed contributed defensively with a steal and made an impactful layup, helping Hamline stretch their lead to 64-45 at the 4:23 mark. Despite turnovers and missed shots from both teams, the Pipers maintained their lead through effective rebounding, securing 12 total rebounds to Augsburg's seven in the quarter.

Camille Cummings led the Pipers with 16 points, making six field goals on 13 attempts and adding two 3-pointers. Yasmeen Abed contributed significantly with six points and a team-high four assists, while also recording one block and one steal. Kate Van Helden was notable for her defensive efforts, achieving a team-high of two steals and six rebounds. Marina LaFreniere also stood out defensively with two steals and led the team with seven rebounds, complementing her seven points.

Lani Fonoti led the Auggies in field goals made, contributing five baskets on 14 attempts, including two 3-pointers, for a total of 12 points. Wakinyela Bear was a standout in rebounds, securing 10 boards, with nine defensive rebounds, and also contributed 12 points. Katie Manecke played an efficient game, making both of her field goal attempts and adding five points while leading the team in steals with two, and assists with four. Jada Stanford also recorded two steals and gathered four rebounds.

The Pipers will travel to St. Olaf on Wednesday, January 15 for a 7:30 p.m. game.