CLAREMONT, Calif. — Hamline (7-3, 1-2 MIAC) edged Pomona-Pitzer (6-5, 1-1 SCIAC), 73-71, with a decisive performance in the final quarter at Voelkel Gymnasium. Hamline's defense recorded 14 steals, contributing to 18 points off turnovers.

The game began with Emily Lee of Pomona-Pitzer sinking a three-pointer just 13 seconds into the first quarter, quickly matched by Camille Cummings with a three-pointer for the Pipers. Cummings then added a layup to give them a 5-3 lead. Pomona-Pitzer's Sara Chicco responded with a layup to tie the game at 7-7. Cummings continued her strong performance with two free throws at 6:27, keeping the score even. 

Isabella Jensen's three-pointer at 6:03 put Hamline ahead 12-11, but Pomona-Pitzer regained the lead, 20-15, after two free throws by Kayla Malek. Hamline's Sophie Stork and Emma Lamppa each hit three-pointers late in the quarter, with Lamppa's second three coming at 16 seconds left, sealing a 24-22 lead for Hamline at the end of the first quarter.

Hamline extended their lead early in the second quarter with a 10-0 run, highlighted by Anna Rynkiewich's layup at 9:41 and Lamppa's three-pointer with an assist from Lauren Cooper. Their defense was strong, forcing Pomona-Pitzer into multiple turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities. Despite a late push from Pomona-Pitzer, capped by Avery Patricco's three-pointer and free throws, Hamline maintained control. Cooper sealed the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:17, giving them a 41-36 lead heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Pomona-Pitzer's Chicco scored six of her points from beyond the arc, contributing significantly to the team's 23-16 quarter advantage. Hamline's Stork opened with a three-pointer assisted by Cooper, giving them an early lead at 44-36. However, Pomona-Pitzer rallied with key three-pointers, including one by Abigail Homan at the 00:27 mark, putting them ahead 59-57. Rynkiewich's efforts in the paint for the Pipers included multiple offensive rebounds and a crucial tip-in at 3:34, but her missed layup in the final second allowed Pomona-Pitzer to maintain their narrow lead at the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Pomona-Pitzer's Patricco made a jumper with 4:55 remaining to give the home team a narrow lead, 65-64. Hamline's Cummings responded with key scoring, including a three-pointer at the 1:03 mark that pushed her team ahead, 71-66. Pomona-Pitzer's Homan closed the gap with a layup and a free throw with 32 seconds left, bringing the score to 71-69. Despite a late basket by Pomona-Pitzer's Chicco, Hamline maintained their lead and secured a 73-71 victory, thanks to crucial free throws by Cummings in the final second.

Rynkiewich collected her second double double of the week, with 10 rebounds and added 13 points while also recording five assists and two steals. Cummings scored 15 points, converting 7 of 10 free throws and tallying four steals. Cooper contributed with 10 points and five assists, while also securing two steals. Lamppa finished with 13 points, hitting four 3-pointers and adding two steals.

The Pipers will be back in Minnesota on January 3, where they will take on St. Kate's in Saint Paul on SCU campus, with tipoff scheduled for 1 PM!