SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline Pipers (3-1, 0-0 MIAC) fell to the University of Wisconsin-Stout (4-2, 0-0 WIAC), 69-56, at Hutton Arena despite forcing nine steals. Wisconsin-Stout took control with a 31-point second quarter, maintaining their lead through the final buzzer.

The game opened with Josie Wiebusch scoring a 3-pointer for Hamline at 8:49, assisted by Lauren Cooper, establishing an early lead. Cooper added to the momentum with another 3-pointer at 6:26, pushing Hamline ahead 6-2. Wiebusch continued her scoring run with another 3-pointer at 5:51, again assisted by Cooper, helping Hamline maintain a lead of 9-4. As the quarter concluded, Camille Cummings secured two free throws at 0:50, closing the first quarter with Hamline leading Wisconsin-Stout 13-9.

Wisconsin-Stout dominated the second quarter, outscoring Hamline 31-16. Addy Verhagen opened the scoring with a layup just 13 seconds in, quickly followed by a 3-pointer from Mary Berg at 8:56, putting Wisconsin-Stout ahead. Hamline's Josie Schmidt managed to cut the deficit with a jumper at 5:54, bringing the score to 21-18, but Stout responded with another 3-pointer by Berg at 4:47. Despite Sophie Stork's two successful 3-pointers late in the quarter, Hamline struggled to keep pace as Wisconsin-Stout extended their lead, closing the quarter with a 40-29 advantage after Grace Schisel's free throws with 11 seconds remaining.

Cummings opened the third quarter for Hamline with a jumper at 9:29, but Stout quickly responded with a 3-pointer from Eleice Dahl, assisted by Rosella Wille. Despite a strong defensive effort by Hamline, including three steals and nine rebounds, Wisconsin-Stout maintained their lead throughout the quarter. Schmidt contributed a layup at 4:32, assisted by Emma Lamppa, and Marina LaFreniere added crucial points from the free-throw line with 33 seconds remaining. Taylor Klement closed the quarter for Hamline with a jumper assisted by Schmidt, bringing the score to 51-45 in favor of Stout.

In the fourth quarter, Stout outscored Hamline 18-11 to secure a 69-56 victory. Verhagen contributed significantly for the visitors, scoring a layup at 9:13 and another at 1:44, part of her team's effective scoring in the paint. Berg added a pivotal 3-pointer at 5:40, extending Wisconsin-Stout's lead during the quarter. Hamline struggled with shooting, making only 2 of 17 field goal attempts in the final quarter, despite Schmidt's efforts, which included a layup at 2:30 and two successful free throws at 3:38. The game concluded with Wille's 3-pointer at the 28-second mark, sealing the win for Wisconsin-Stout.

Schmidt posted 10 points and recorded five steals, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Cummings led all scorers with 11 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws. Cooper added eight points while also tallying two steals and two assists. Stork finished with seven points and secured six rebounds, providing a solid presence on the boards.

The Pipers will be back in action after Thanksgiving break with a home game on December 3 against Gustavus, with tipoff at 7 PM.