ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline University Pipers (16-6, 10-5 MIAC) defeated No. 24 ranked Bethel University (MN) (16-6, 11-4 MIAC), 59-53, on Wednesday by capitalizing on 17 steals and converting them into 20 points off turnovers. Despite trailing in paint points, Hamline's bench shone, contributing 27 points to propel the team to victory.

The game began with Bethel taking an early lead. Emily Erickson scored a layup assisted by Alli Born at 9:10, followed by Elly Schmitz's 3-pointer at 7:27, also assisted by Born. Josie Schmidt of Hamline responded with her own 3-pointer at 5:41. Sophie Stork then scored a layup at 2:32, giving the Pipers a 10-9 lead. However, a layup by Cally Peterson at 1:10, assisted by Born, put Bethel back up 11-10 to close the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hamline outscored Bethel 20-13, extending its lead. Lauren Cooper's 3-pointer at 6:12, assisted by Schmidt, and a last-second 3-pointer by Emma Lamppa, also facilitated by Schmidt, highlighted Hamline's offensive charge. Key layups by Anna Rynkiewich fortified the Pipers' lead, while Erickson's efforts for Bethel, including a layup at 3:35, were matched by Hamline's defensive plays and strong paint presence.

Hamline edged Bethel 13-12 in the third quarter. Cooper sparked a fast-break layup at 8:45 following her own steal, while Rynkiewich's defensive rebound and successful layup extended Hamline's lead to 34-26 at 7:34. Lamppa's clutch two 3-pointers, first at 3:25 and then at 1:53, maintained the Pipers' advantage. Bethel's Rosalie Penke responded with a 3-pointer at 1:39, but the Royals couldn't narrow the gap before the quarter ended.

In the decisive fourth quarter, Erickson of Bethel started with a jumper at 9:53, cutting Hamline's lead to five. Yet, the Pipers answered with Rynkiewich's layup at 7:39. Penke tied the game for Bethel with a 3-pointer at 6:20. Hamline regained momentum with a pivotal jumper by Camille Cummings at 5:24. Critical free throws by Josie Wiebusch at 0:38 and Stork at 0:12 sealed the 59-53 victory for Hamline.

Lamppa contributed 14 points, hitting 5 of 7 shots, including four from long range. Rynkiewich recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards, adding two steals. On defense, Cooper secured four steals alongside five points. Schmidt added nine points, four steals, and three assists.

The Pipers will be back at home on Saturday, February 14 for a key match up against Saint Benedict, with tipoff scheduled for 1 PM at Hutton Arena.