SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team defeated Carleton 71-56 on Wednesday, at Hutton Arena. This victory added to the Pipers' strong track record against the Knights, having won eight of their last ten meetings.

The Pipers improve to 16-6, 11-4 MIAC, while the Knights fall to 3-19, 2-13 MIAC.

Hamline 71, Carleton 56

The first quarter saw Hamline take an early lead, finishing with a score of 26-13. Camille Cummings made an impact early by scoring two 3-pointers, with the first at the beginning of the frame. The Knights struggled to maintain possession with several turnovers and missed opportunities, including a missed layup by Liesl McCallum. Hamline capitalized on Carleton's errors, with Evelyn Wiltrout scoring two layups and contributing to a run that extended their lead. Carleton's Addy Huss and Grace Schwarz each made a 3-pointer in the latter part of the quarter to narrow the deficit slightly, but Hamline maintained control throughout.

In the second quarter, Hamline increased their lead over Carleton, outscoring them 20-17. The period began with Camille Cummings committing a turnover, which was quickly capitalized on by Audrey Whitney's steal, but Carleton failed to convert the opportunity into points. Anna Rynkiewich scored a layup at 9:21, increasing Hamline's lead to 28-13. Carleton's Nayeli Williams responded with a layup, and Liesl McCallum added a jumper, narrowing the gap to 28-17 with 7:58 on the clock. Notably, Josie Abed had a significant defensive contribution with a block and a steal. Marina LaFreniere then extended the Pipers' lead to 37-26 with a jumper at 3:21. Camille Cummings closed the quarter with a 3-pointer, assisted by Anna Rynkiewich, sealing the half at 46-30 in favor of the Pipers.

The third quarter saw Hamline extend their advantage over Carleton with a strong performance. Carleton struggled with their shooting, making only two-of-10 shots, including no 3-pointers, and committed seven turnovers. The Pipers capitalized on these opportunities, with Camille Cummings hitting a 3-pointer at 7:33 and Evelyn Wiltrout scoring a fast-break layup at 6:07. Hamline's defensive efforts were highlighted by six steals, contributing to a quarter-ending score of 61-35 in favor of the home team.

In the fourth quarter, Carleton outscored Hamline 21-10, beginning with a free throw by Nayeli Williams at the 9:18 mark. The Pipers maintained a lead but Carleton capitalized on opportunities, including a 3-pointer by Addy Huss at 7:28. Huss proved instrumental for Carleton, scoring consecutive baskets, including two 3-pointers in the final frame. Despite Carleton's efforts, the Pipers secured the win, with Evelyn Wiltrout contributing significantly, including an assist and a layup that extended their advantage en route to a 71-56 win.

Hamline finished the game .333 (11-of-33) from the three-point line, shot .418 (28-of-67) from the field, and had 17 assists. Carleton managed to shoot .449 (22-of-49) from the field, and .350 (7-of-20) from beyond the arc.

Camille Cummings led the Pipers with an impressive performance, scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Evelyn Wiltrout was a key contributor, adding 10 points and securing seven rebounds, while also shooting 5-of-7 from the field. Kate Trachsel provided a strong outside presence, scoring nine points, all from three-point range on 3-of-6 shooting. Yasmeen Abed was active defensively with three steals and also added four assists, showcasing her all-around play. Brittney Draeger's defensive efforts were highlighted by her two steals, contributing to the team's overall performance.

Addy Huss made a significant impact in her game for the Knights, leading the team in scoring with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, and recording three steals. She also contributed seven rebounds and three assists. Liesl McCallum matched Huss with 16 points, converting six of ten shots and adding four free throws. McCallum also contributed six rebounds. Audrey Whitney was another key player, scoring eight points and contributing two steals and two assists. Nayeli Williams added ten points to the scoreboard, hitting four out of seven shots.

The Pipers will travel to Bethel on Saturday, February 15 for a 1 p.m. game.