SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's basketball team clinched a home playoff game with a 53-36 victory over St. Catherine on Wednesday at the Butler Center.

The Pipers improve to 17-7, 12-5 MIAC. This victory not only marks their 17th win of the season but also clinches a home playoff game, which will be played on Tuesday, February 25. Moreover, the Pipers will make their fifth-straight MIAC Tournament appearance, and ninth in program history. The Wildcats fall to 13-11, 8-9 MIAC.

Hamline 53, St. Catherine 36

The first quarter began with St. Catherine's Hattie Fox scoring a fast-break layup at 9:56, assisted by Maddie Young, giving them an early lead. Hamline responded with a 3-pointer from Kate Trachsel at 9:10, assisted by Yasmeen Abed, which marked the beginning of a scoring run. The Pipers' shooting efficiency was evident as Trachsel added another 3-pointer at 5:13, increasing their lead to 9-3. The momentum continued as Evelyn Wiltrout and Yasmeen Abed contributed to a 19-5 lead by the end of the quarter, with the Pipers connecting on five 3-pointers and capitalizing on St. Catherine's shooting struggles.

In the second frame, each team attempted 14 shots, with Hamline converting four and St. Catherine five. Camille Cummings led Hamline with a significant defensive contribution, collecting several rebounds. St. Catherine's Hattie Fox provided a notable performance, contributing both offensively with a 3-pointer at 6:12 and defensively with multiple rebounds. Yasmeen Abed ended the quarter with a 3-pointer, extending the Pipers' lead to 31-18 at the close. St. Catherine outscored Hamline by one point in the quarter, with a 13-12 advantage.

In the third quarter, the Pipers narrowly outscored the Wildcats 19-18. Marina LaFreniere opened the frame with a layup at 9:37, with Yasmeen Abed contributing significantly by hitting two 3-pointers, the first at 6:54 and another at 4:10, which helped extend Hamline's lead. St. Catherine's Greta Schimnowski responded with consistent free throw shooting and a 3-pointer at 8:42, while Hattie Fox also added a key 3-pointer at 5:52. Despite multiple turnovers from both teams, Hamline maintained their lead, with LaFreniere sealing the quarter with late baskets, including a fast-break layup at 0:39 that made the score 50-36.

In the fourth quarter, the Pipers' defense was dominant, holding St. Catherine scoreless as they managed a 3-point shot from Yasmeen Abed at 4:53. The quarter saw multiple defensive rebounds and blocks from both teams, with Hamline recording two blocks and four steals.  Emme Golembieswski was active defensively, contributing a block and several rebounds, but the Wildcats struggled offensively, missing all 13 field goal attempts. Camille Cummings and Evelyn Wiltrout each collected important rebounds, helping to maintain possession and secure the  53-36 victory.

Kate Trachsel led the Pipers with three successful 3-point shots out of four attempts, contributing to her 10 points. She also recorded two steals, making her a key defensive player. Yasmeen Abed was the team's top scorer with 17 points, hitting five of her seven 3-point attempts and making six shots overall. She also added two steals and three assists. Marina LaFreniere had a strong performance with five field goals on six attempts, totaling 10 points. Additionally, she recorded six rebounds and two steals. Josie Wiebusch stood out defensively with four assists and two steals, although she did not score any points.

Hamline's defense surrendered a season-low 36 points, six assists, and a .220 (11-of-50) field goal percentage. Hamline's offense shot .333 (20-of-60) from the field and .333 (10-of-30) from beyond the arc.

Hattie Fox led St. Kate's with 13 points, shooting five-for-12 from the field, including two 3-pointers, while also contributing two steals. Emme Golembieswski was a defensive standout with five blocks and added eight rebounds, tying for the team's highest rebound total. Rachel Randleman excelled defensively, leading the team with three steals. Jordyn Peed also made a significant defensive impact with two steals, alongside her six points. 

The Pipers will host St. Olaf in their 2024-25 regular season finale at Hutton Arena on Saturday, February 22 at 1 p.m.