SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Hamline (9-3, 3-2 MIAC) defeated the College of St. Scholastica (8-4, 3-2 MIAC), 62-54, with a decisive 27-point surge in the fourth quarter. The Pipers capitalized on St. Scholastica's 20 turnovers, converting them into 14 points.

The first quarter began with defensive intensity from both teams, resulting in a low-scoring affair. St. Scholastica took an early lead with a layup from Ava Riegel at 7:57, followed by a three-pointer from Evie Schmitz at 7:24, putting them ahead 5-0. Hamline responded with a series of layups, including Aliyah Robran's score at 6:10, narrowing the gap to 5-2. By 4:51, Anna Rynkiewich's layup gave Hamline a slight 6-5 edge. Schmitz's second three-pointer at 2:51 reclaimed the lead for St. Scholastica, but Marina LaFreniere's layup with 2:21 remaining tied the score at 8-8, which held until the end of the quarter.

The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle between the Pipers and St. Scholastica, with the latter narrowly edging out Hamline 12-11 for the quarter. Lauren Cooper opened the scoring for the Pipers with a three-pointer at 9:48, assisted by Rynkiewich. Camille Cummings contributed significantly to Hamline's efforts with a layup at 6:32 and a pair of free throws at 1:52, closing the gap. Kloey Lind of St. Scholastica played a pivotal role, scoring a layup and a free throw at 2:08, which extended their lead. The quarter concluded with a steal by Cummings with only one second remaining, keeping the game within reach.

Hamline took control in the third quarter, building momentum with a series of key plays. At 9:11, LaFreniere scored a layup, putting the Pipers ahead 21-20. Cummings extended the lead with a three-pointer at 5:20, assisted by Rynkiewich, pushing the score to 26-23. Rynkiewich also contributed defensively, recording a steal and a fast-break layup at 4:05, further increasing their lead. In the final minute, Isabella Jensen added a three-pointer at 1:43, solidifying Hamline's position at 33-28. The quarter concluded with the Pipers leading 35-30, outscoring St. Scholastica 16-10 in the third.

Hamline secured a decisive 62-54 victory over St. Scholastica in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a strong offensive performance. Cummings contributed significantly with a three-pointer at 2:52 and a series of key free throws in the final seconds. Emma Lamppa also made an impact, sinking two three-pointers, including a fastbreak shot at 8:17, to extend Hamline's lead. St. Scholastica attempted a comeback with Ava Haus scoring a three-pointer at 6:28 and Schmitz hitting a fastbreak three-pointer with just three seconds remaining, but Hamline maintained their lead to clinch the win.

Cummings led the scoring effort with 21 points, converting 7 of 10 free throws and adding two steals. Lamppa contributed 10 points, including two 3-pointers, while also collecting four rebounds. Rynkiewich recorded four steals, scored nine points, and dished out three assists. LaFreniere posted 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds to round out the top performers.

The Pipers will be on the road this Saturday, January 10 to take on Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, with a tipoff scheduled for 1 PM!