SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline University basketball team (12-3, 6-2 MIAC) seized control in the final quarter to defeat St. Olaf College (5-10, 0-8 MIAC), 54-39, at Hutton Arena, on Saturday. The Pipers forced 25 turnovers and netted 16 points from these opportunities.

The game unfolded with St. Olaf's Erin Schauer scoring a layup just 30 seconds into play. The Pipers quickly countered as Camille Cummings drained a three-pointer, assisted by Lauren Cooper. Despite early turnovers from both teams, Sophie Stork emerged as a key contributor for Hamline, knocking down two 3-pointers, the second courtesy of Marina LaFreniere's assist. Nonetheless, St. Olaf's Emmanuella Sennowo helped them edge a 15-12 lead by the end of the first quarter with her three-pointer and subsequent assist.

A strong showing by Anna Rynkiewich saw her scoring consecutive baskets, with a layup at 6:17 placing Hamline momentarily in front, 20-19. Though Josie Wiebusch swiped a critical steal for the Pipers, St. Olaf rallied back with a jumper from Joy Brandenstein at 4:43. The tense quarter concluded as Elise Hahn's three free throws lifted St. Olaf to a slim 26-24 advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, action intensified as the Pipers and St. Olaf exchanged the lead. Lauren Cooper's notable three-pointer at 7:33 narrowed the margin to 28-27. In response, St. Olaf's Bree Wilkerson extended their lead with a layup and free throw, establishing a 31-27 edge. Hamline's Josie Schmidt was pivotal, executing a coast-to-coast finish at 5:17 and tying the game at 33-33 after two Cummings' free throws. Then, Norah Bickett's three-pointer at 2:07 tied the score at 36-36, setting up a climactic final quarter.

Capturing momentum in the fourth quarter, Hamline erupted for an 18-3 run. Cummings opened this sequence with a layup at 9:03, securing a 38-36 lead for the Pipers. Stork contributed again with a three-pointer at 8:34, and her assist to Rynkiewich's layup at 6:49 extended the advantage. Schmidt added four points, including a layup at 2:16, as St. Olaf managed only one field goal in the quarter. The Pipers clamped down defensively, forcing four turnovers to secure a comfortable victory.

Rynkiewich was exceptional with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding six rebounds. Stork supported with 10 points, including three 3-pointers, and distributed five assists. Schmidt added five steals and six points, while Cooper contributed six points and two steals.

The Pipers are at home again against Augsburg on Wednesday, January 21. Tipoff set for 7 PM in Hutton Arena!