SAINT PETER, Minn. — Hamline University (14-4, 8-3 MIAC) fell to Gustavus Adolphus College (12-6, 8-3 MIAC), 59-55, in a closely contested conference matchup at Gus Young Court. The Pipers forced 23 turnovers, but the opposition capitalized on free throws, converting 15 of 25 attempts to secure the victory. The Gusties snapped the Pipers 10 game win streak. 

The first quarter began with Gustavus Adolphus taking an early lead, as Ella Peters scored a layup at 9:39, assisted by Anna Goodman. The Pipers responded with Lauren Cooper hitting two three-pointers, the second tying the game at 6-6 with 8:10 left. Gustavus pulled ahead once more after a 3-pointer from Peters at 7:11, widening the gap to 12-6. Despite a late push by Hamline, which included a layup from Anna Rynkiewich at 1:04, Gustavus maintained a narrow lead, finishing the quarter up 16-14.

In a tense second quarter, Hamline edged out Gustavus, 13-11, to level the game at 27-27 by halftime. Gustavus began the quarter with a three-pointer from Olivia Grothaus at 8:30, assisted by Whitley Ronn. Camille Cummings of Hamline was pivotal in closing the scoring gap, delivering a layup at 1:23 to give the Pipers a brief lead. The quarter concluded with both teams tied, thanks to a free throw by Gustavus' Kendyl Queensland at 0:59. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive efforts, each making four steals during the quarter.

In the third quarter, Josie Wiebusch put the Pipers in the lead with a fast-break layup and subsequent free throw at 8:14, making the score 30-27. Gustavus responded with a layup by Kaitlyn Schaefer and a jumper from Ella Peters, pulling ahead 35-33. Cummings' free throws with 1:10 remaining tied the game at 38-38. However, with seven seconds left, Schaefer hit a three-pointer, assisted by Goodman, giving Gustavus a 41-38 lead to close the quarter.

In a closely contested fourth quarter, Hamline opened with Marina LaFreniere scoring a jumper just 14 seconds in, assisted by Wiebusch. The Pipers took a brief lead with Wiebusch's layup at 9:17, but Gustavus responded with a series of three-pointers by Schaefer, gaining momentum. A late surge by Hamline, highlighted by a three-pointer from Emma Lamppa with 16 seconds left, brought them within three points, but Gustavus secured the win with free throws from Goodman. The final sequence saw Gustavus maintain their lead, ending with a 59-55 victory.

Lauren Cooper scored 10 points and collected two steals. Anna Rynkiewich added eight points and recorded five steals. Josie Schmidt contributed four points and tallied three steals. Sophie Stork posted five assists and grabbed four rebounds.

The Pipers will be back at home on Saturday, January 31 to celebrate Senior Day against St. Kate's with tipoff scheduled for 1 PM!