CLAREMONT, Calif. — Hamline (6-3) defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (8-2), 67-63, at Roberts Pavilion, overcoming a tight fourth quarter with 36 points in the paint.

The first quarter saw Claremont-Mudd-Scripps jump out to an early lead with Haylie Wang's layup at 8:17 and a three-pointer from Payton Sugar at 3:16, bringing the score to 8-5. The Pipers responded with a layup from Anna Rynkiewich at 3:33, narrowing the gap to one point. However, a late three-pointer by Laura Strenk with 1:13 left extended the home team's lead. Megan Spencer's two free throws in the closing seconds brought Hamline within one, ending the quarter at 11-10 in favor of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

In the second quarter, Hamline outscored Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 21-11, with a strong performance in the final minutes. Phaley Yang's two free throws early on tied the game at 12-12. Rynkiewich made a crucial fastbreak layup at 7:48, putting the Pipers ahead 14-13. Lauren Cooper added to the lead with a layup at 2:49, followed by a three-pointer from Josie Schmidt at 2:22, extending Hamline's advantage. The quarter concluded with Spencer's jumper at 0:29, securing a nine-point lead for Hamline.

In the third quarter, Hamline's Marina LaFreniere quickly contributed with a layup at 9:51, setting the tone for a competitive period. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps responded with Wang's jumper at 9:12, followed by a layup that narrowed the gap to 33-26. Sophie Stork extended Hamline's lead with a three-pointer at 8:10, assisted by Cooper, but CMS's Strenk hit a key three-pointer at 6:32 to tighten the score to 38-34. Despite CMS's efforts, Hamline maintained the lead as Rynkiewich's jumper at 3:57 and layup at 3:10 helped secure a 48-43 advantage by the end of the quarter.

In a tense fourth quarter, Hamline maintained their lead over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps to secure a 67-63 victory. Stork and Cooper each hit crucial three-pointers early in the period, with Cooper adding another fast-break three at the 5:33 mark, extending their advantage. Wang kept Claremont-Mudd-Scripps within reach by scoring inside and making key free throws. As the clock wound down, Stork's free throw with 13 seconds left helped solidify the win for Hamline. Despite Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' late push, including a three-pointer by Strenk, the Pipers' consistent scoring and defensive rebounds maintained their edge.

Cooper contributed 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four assists. Rynkiewich posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, adding two steals. Schmidt scored 11 points and collected two steals. Stork made three 3-pointers, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Pipers will finish off their California trip with a game on Tuesday against Pomona-Pitzer at 4 PM CST.