SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline Pipers (8-3, 2-2 MIAC) defeated the St. Catherine Wildcats (5-6, 0-4 MIAC), 70-53, on Saturday, highlighted by a decisive 23-point second quarter. The Pipers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 14 points off 18 St. Catherine turnovers.

The opening quarter saw Hamline take a narrow 19-17 lead over St. Catherine. Josie Wiebusch and Marina LaFreniere contributed early with consecutive jumpers, helping build an 8-2 advantage. The Wildcats responded with Hattie Fox and Kate Flicek leading a comeback to level the score at 10-10 midway through the quarter. As the quarter wound down, Anna Rynkiewich scored crucial points, sinking a jumper and converting two free throws with 32 seconds remaining, securing the lead for the Pipers.

Lauren Cooper opened the second quarter with a three-pointer at 9:42, setting the tone for a dominant 10-minute stretch. Hamline capitalized on St. Catherine's turnovers, including a steal and layup by Josie Schmidt at 3:48, contributing to a substantial scoring run. Camille Cummings played a crucial role, adding a three-pointer at 5:15 and another at 3:11, ending the quarter with a total of 11 points. The Wildcats struggled to keep pace, managing only seven points in the quarter, as Hamline secured a commanding lead by the half.

In the third quarter, the Pipers extended their lead with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Sophie Stork's three-pointer at the 9:28 mark. Cummings contributed with a jumper in the paint, pushing the score to 47-24. St. Catherine's Fox answered with a three-pointer, but Hamline maintained control. Cooper added a three-pointer, assisted by LaFreniere, bringing the score to 52-29 at 5:47. Isabella Jensen capped the quarter with a three-pointer, assisted by Aliyah Robran, securing a 58-36 advantage for Hamline. The quarter ended with the Pipers outscoring St. Catherine 16-12.

In the fourth quarter, Hamline secured a decisive victory over the Wildcats, fueled by a strong performance from Cooper, who scored seven points, including a three-pointer at 6:49 to extend the lead. Kristen Oberle's early three-pointer for St. Catherine at 8:58 briefly narrowed the gap, but the Pipers quickly responded with Cooper's layup and three-pointer. A late three-pointer by Beatrice Clayton at 2:38 for the Wildcats added some points, but Hamline's lead remained secure. The Pipers' defense was effective, recording three steals, while St. Catherine managed only one in the quarter. The game ended with Hamline maintaining control, despite the Wildcats' attempts to close the margin.

Cooper led Hamline with 18 points, hitting 7 of 11 from the field and converting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc, while also recording three steals. Rynkiewich added 12 points, making 5 of 9 field goals and going a perfect 2 for 2 from the free-throw line. Cummings had a double double, contributing 13 points and collecting 10 rebounds, including eight on the defensive end. Schmidt tallied four assists and matched Cooper with three steals.

The Pipers will be back home after the long winter break stretch on January 7 where they will take on the College of Saint Scholastica in a 7 PM tipoff at Hutton Arena!