SAINT PETER, MINN.--The No. 3 seed Hamline University women's basketball team fell to No. 2 seed/No. 6 ranked Gustavus Adolphus 71-35 in the MIAC Tournament Semifinal in Saint Peter on Thursday night.

The Pipers, who qualified for their ninth MIAC Tournament, finished the 2024-25 season with an overall record of 19-8. The Gusties improve to 25-1, and will advance to the MIAC Tournament Championship Game at No. 1 seed Bethel on Saturday, March 1.

Gustavus 71, Hamline 35

The first quarter started with a tight contest, with both teams struggling to maintain possession and effectively convert their shots. Gustavus opened the scoring with an early layup by Emma Kniefel at 8:43, quickly followed by a completed free throw, pushing their lead to 3-0. The Pipers responded through Marina LaFreniere's layup at 7:10, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Rachel Kawiecki's layup at 6:18 extended the Gusties' lead, but Evelyn Wiltrout's consistent rebounding and scoring efforts kept the Pipers in the game, cutting the deficit to 7-6 at 4:33. Despite a late jumper by Camille Cummings bringing the Pipers to double digits at 59 seconds, the Gusties finished the quarter ahead 14-10, capitalizing on an additional 3-pointer by Kylie Baranick at 2:10.

The second quarter saw the Gusties extend their lead significantly over Hamline, outscoring them 22-9. The Gusties began with a solid streak, including a jumper by Morgan Kelly at 8:52 and a layup by Izzy Quick at 8:13, achieving a 6-point lead early. Lauren Cooper managed to cut into the lead with a 3-pointer at 7:44, but Gustavus maintained their momentum with Morgan Kelly adding another jumper at 7:27 and Emily Bowron scoring a 3-pointer at 6:51. Despite a 3-pointer from Camille Cummings at 4:05, the Gusties continued their dominance with Emma Kniefel and Izzy Quick contributing to the scoreline. The Gusties' defensive efforts limited Hamline's scoring opportunities, leading to multiple turnovers and missed shots.

In the third quarter, Camille Cummings opened the scoring with a layup at 9:49, assisted by Josie Wiebusch, bringing the score to 36-21. The Gusties responded quickly with Izzy Quick scoring a jumper at 9:25, assisted by Morgan Kelly. The Pipers' Yasmeen Abed added another layup at 8:54, but Gustavus maintained momentum with consistent offensive rebounds, leading to Rachel Kawiecki's free throw and a layup by Izzy Quick, extending their lead to 41-23. Despite the Pipers' efforts, including a three-point play by Marina LaFreniere at 2:29, the Gusties controlled the quarter with nine points to the Pipers' seven, ending with a defensive rebound from Izzy Quick at the buzzer.

In the fourth quarter, the Gusties outscored Hamline 26-9, capitalizing on turnovers and strong shooting. The quarter began with Emma Kniefel's steal leading to an Izzy Quick layup at 9:27, setting the tone for the home team's defensive prowess. Emma Kniefel continued to impact the game with a 3-pointer at 7:33, contributing to a 10-0 run for the Gusties. Despite the Pipers' Lauren Cooper hitting a fast-break 3-pointer at 5:42, the home team maintained control, highlighted by Ella Peters' consistent free-throw shooting, including two at the 54-second mark, to solidify their lead.

Lauren Cooper stood out for the Pipers with her three 3-pointers made, contributing significantly to her total of 11 points, and she also added three rebounds. Kate Trachsel led the team with two steals, showcasing her defensive capabilities, while Josie Schmidt also made an impact with two steals. Camille Cummings contributed seven points, including one 3-pointer, and gathered three rebounds.

Emma Kniefel led the Gusties with sixteen points, shooting five-for-seven from the field, and contributed defensively with two steals. Izzy Quick made an impact as well, scoring fourteen points and securing ten rebounds, highlighting her efficient six-for-seven shooting. Ella Peters was perfect from the free-throw line, making all six of her attempts. Emily Bowron impressed with her 3-point shooting, hitting three of four from beyond the arc, totaling twelve points, and recording two steals. Lastly, Ava Westerman contributed defensively with two steals in her game appearance.

Playing in their final collegiate game for Hamline are seniors Aliyah Wensel, Brittney Draeger, Kate Trachsel, and Kate Van Helden. Hamline's 19 victories in 2024-25 is tied for a program record.