WINONA, Minn. — Hamline (19-7, 13-5 MIAC) fell to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (20-7, 13-5 MIAC), 59-52 in the MIAC Quarterfinal game, after being outscored 27-0 in a decisive fourth quarter. The Pipers generated 19 points off turnovers but could not maintain their lead in the final quarter.
The game opened with Hamline taking an early lead as
Marina LaFreniere scored the first two baskets, including a jumper and a layup, to put them up 4-0. Saint Mary's responded with Ayla Olson's fast-break layup, but the Pipers maintained control with points from
Camille Cummings and
Evelyn Wiltrout. Despite turnovers on both sides, Hamline's defense was strong, with
Anna Rynkiewich contributing a key steal and layup at 3:11 to extend the lead. The Pipers ended the first quarter ahead 15-9, aided by solid free-throw shooting and a defensive block from LaFreniere.
Hamline capitalized on Saint Mary's turnovers to take control in the second quarter, outscoring the home team 15-9. Rynkiewich contributed notably with a steal and a layup at 7:06, extending the lead. Cummings added to the advantage with a layup at 2:28. Hamline's defensive pressure forced seven turnovers from Saint Mary's, which helped maintain its lead. The quarter concluded with
Sophie Stork sinking a three-pointer with 11 seconds left, bringing the score to 30-18 in favor of the Pipers.
Hamline seized control in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring Saint Mary's 22-14. The quarter was highlighted by Stork's early three-pointer at 8:00, assisted by Rynkiewich, which set the tone for Hamline's scoring run.
Emma Lamppa was instrumental, contributing two three-pointers, including a buzzer-beater with an assist from
Lauren Cooper, pushing the lead to 52-32.
Josie Wiebusch added another three-pointer at 2:43, further extending the Pipers' advantage. Saint Mary's struggled to keep pace, with Brianna Nusbaum leading their scoring efforts but unable to bridge the gap.
Saint Mary's dominated the fourth quarter with both offensive and defensive power, overcoming a deficit to secure a 59-52 victory over Hamline. The home team's scoring surge began with a three-pointer by Julia Koch at 9:38, assisted by Olson. Nusbaum contributed significantly, hitting a three-pointer at 7:32, and later adding a jumper to inch Saint Mary's closer. Lindsey Lettner's three-point shot at 1:43 gave the home team its first lead of the quarter, 53-52. Olson's free throws in the final seconds extended the lead further, sealing the comeback win for Saint Mary's.
Lamppa scored nine points, connecting on three 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Cooper contributed with three steals and added three assists. Rynkiewich secured eight rebounds and added six points. Wiebusch collected seven rebounds and scored six points, including two 3-pointers.
The Pipers finished their season with a 13-5 conference record and a 19-7 overall record, including one nationally ranked win over No. 24 Bethel on Feb. 11th. Thank you seniors for all that you have done for the program and congrats on a fantastic season! GO PIPERS!
