MANKATO, Minn. — The Pipers played two games in Mankato at the Mavericks All-Sports Dome to kick off their season as part of the Bethany Lutheran Kwik Trip Invitational. 

GAME 1 

Hamline (0-1) suffered a 6-2 defeat against Nebraska Wesleyan University (1-2) in a neutral-site matchup on Sunday. Hamline scored both of its runs in the first inning but was held to just four hits for the game, as Nebraska Wesleyan capitalized with a four-run third inning to secure the victory.

Hamline opened the game with a strong first inning, scoring two runs. Elena Martinez walked and advanced to second on a stolen base. She scored on an error by the first baseman when Josephine Cariveau reached first. Cariveau advanced to second on the error, setting up Brie Bakke, who singled to center field to bring Cariveau home. This gave the Pipers an early lead of 2-0. However, Nebraska Wesleyan responded in the bottom of the inning, matching Hamline's two runs with an RBI double from Kimberlin and an RBI single from Fahrnbruc, tying the game at 2-2 after the first inning.

The third inning was pivotal for Nebraska Wesleyan as it scored four runs to take control of the game. The sequence started with Korecky singling and stealing second, followed by another RBI double from Kimberlin. A throwing error allowed another run to score, followed by an RBI single from Hansen and a wild pitch that allowed Maxwell to score. This offensive surge put Nebraska Wesleyan ahead 6-2 after the third inning.

Despite Hamline's efforts to close the gap, including a double by Brennan Reid in the fourth inning and continued attempts to get on base, their scoring was halted by Nebraska Wesleyan's defense. The Pipers were unable to add any more runs throughout the game. The final score stood at Nebraska Wesleyan 6, Hamline 2.

Martinez recorded a hit, scored a run, and added a stolen base while drawing a walk. Bakke contributed with a hit and an RBI, converting one of her opportunities with runners in scoring position. Reid posted a double and a hit, maintaining a strong OPS of 1.000. Natalynn Lundeen reached base safely twice, collecting a hit and a walk, and added a run-scoring opportunity with her plate appearances.

Montana Miller pitched 2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits with no walks or strikeouts, while facing 13 batters. Natalee Boelk, in relief, threw 4 innings, giving up just 1 run on 3 hits, with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk. Boelk effectively managed the Nebraska Wesleyan lineup, maintaining a WHIP of 1.00, and kept the scoring to a minimum during their outing.

GAME TWO

Hamline fell 6-2 to Bethany Lutheran on Sunday in a neutral-site contest. Hamline (0-2) managed seven hits, including three doubles, but could not overcome a five-run deficit created by Bethany Lutheran (3-1) in the second and third innings.

Hamline faced Bethany Lutheran in a contest where the visiting team tallied two runs on seven hits. In the third inning, Hamline broke through when Mikenna Johnson reached on a fielder's choice, advanced on an Elena Martinez groundout, and scored following a double to right center by Josephine Cariveau. This sequence brought the score to Hamline 1, Bethany Lutheran 5 after the third.

In the sixth inning, the Pipers capitalized on a Bethany Lutheran error. Brie Bakke reached on a pitcher's error, and pinch runner Sophie Schwartz-Bannon advanced to third on a double by Maddie Johnson. Julia Sina walked with the bases loaded, bringing home Schwartz-Bannon and reducing the deficit to four runs. However, the inning ended with Hamline trailing 6-2.

Hamline was unable to score further, concluding the game with a 6-2 loss to Bethany Lutheran. Both teams recorded seven hits, but defensive errors and strategic plays allowed Bethany Lutheran to maintain control throughout the game.

Maddie Johnson recorded two hits, including a double, and added a stolen base. Sina contributed with a double and an RBI, while also drawing a walk. Brennan Reid reached base with a hit and a walk, and added four assists in the field. Cariveau drove in a run with a double, finishing with one hit.

Allison Boynton pitched 3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 5 runs, with 3 earned runs, while issuing 4 walks. Boynton did not record a strikeout but managed to pick off one runner. Montana Miller relieved Boynton, also pitching 3 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 1 batter. Miller had a walk-free performance, maintaining a WHIP of 1.00, and allowed only one extra-base hit, a double.