SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Hamline (17-6, 11-5 MIAC) secured a decisive 69-53 victory over the College of Saint Benedict (14-9, 9-7 MIAC) at Hutton Arena, aided by a strong defensive effort that resulted in 10 steals. The Pipers clinch their MIAC playoff berth with the win over the Bennies. 

The game began with a three-pointer by Lauren Arnold, assisted by Kira Young, giving the Bennies an early lead. Hamline responded with a jumper from Sophie Stork, and the teams traded leads throughout the quarter. Midway through, the Pipers took a brief lead with a three-pointer from Stork, assisted by Josie Schmidt, but the Bennies quickly tied the game with free throws by Arnold. In the final minutes, Hamline pulled ahead decisively with a series of scores, including a three-pointer and layup by Stork, ending the first quarter with a 22-14 advantage over Saint Benedict.

Hamline's strong defense and efficient shooting defined the second quarter against Saint Benedict. Camille Cummings led the scoring with two three-pointers, the first at 7:37 and another two minutes later, contributing to Hamline's 15-4 advantage in the quarter. The Bennies struggled offensively, managing only one field goal by Kira Young at 5:09 and two successful free throws. Hamline capitalized on turnovers and maintained control, with Marina LaFreniere sealing the quarter with a layup at 0:11, extending the lead to 37-18 at halftime.

Marina LaFreniere's pivotal offensive rebounds set the tone as Hamline maintained its lead despite a competitive third quarter. LaFreniere's jumper and Sophie Stork's layup extended Hamline's advantage early in the quarter. The Bennies' Lauren Arnold responded with a jumper at 7:34 and later a three-pointer, but Hamline's efficient play in the paint, including Camille Cummings' layup at 3:14, kept the home team ahead. Kira Young added late points for Saint Benedict, but Hamline closed the quarter with a 54-37 lead, highlighted by a late layup from Josie Wiebusch.

Hamline secured a 69-53 victory over Saint Benedict in a decisive final quarter. The Bennies' Alyssa Sadlovsky opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 8:59, cutting the deficit to 14 points. Emma Lamppa responded for Hamline, hitting two free throws at 8:04 and following up with a three-pointer at 7:16, bringing the score to 59-40. Despite a late push by Saint Benedict, including a layup and free throw by Cora Beeler at 1:15, Hamline maintained its lead. Hamline's Morgan Gokey sealed the win with two free throws at 0:22, concluding the game with a 16-point margin.

Sophie Stork led Hamline with 21 points, making 8 of 8 field goals, including 5 for 5 from beyond the arc. Camille Cummings contributed 18 points, converting 7 of 11 from the floor and adding three steals. Josie Schmidt facilitated the offense with five assists and recorded three steals. Lauren Cooper added seven points and collected two steals in the game.

The Pipers have just two games left in the regular season, with their final home game next up against Saint Mary's on Wednesday, February 18 with a scheduled 7 PM tipoff in Hutton Arena.