SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Despite a career-high performance from goalkeeper Sophie Thompson and a four-goal outburst from Ema Rehder, the Hamline University women's lacrosse team couldn't overcome a late surge by UW-Eau Claire, falling 16-8 at home. 

The opening frame was a defensive slugfest. Hamline's Kayli Starkey broke the ice at the 8:04 mark, converting a free-position shot to give the Pipers an early 1-0 lead. However, the Blugolds responded with a three-goal run in the final four minutes of the quarter to take a 3-1 advantage into the break.

The second quarter saw the Pipers find their offensive rhythm. Capitalizing on a series of man-up opportunities, Hamline exploded for a 4-1 run. Ema Rehder and Lauren Moorhouse combined for three goals during the stretch, while Emma Collins found the back of the net at 9:21 to briefly reclaim a 5-4 lead for the Pipers. The momentum shifted back to the Blugolds late in the half, as Reegan Werner sparked a 5-1 Blugold run to send Hamline into the locker room trailing 9-6.

The third quarter belonged to the defenses. Paige Pierce and Lexi Combs were relentless on the back line for Hamline, forcing multiple turnovers, while Thompson continued her stellar play in net. Despite the defensive stand, the Pipers were kept off the board by Blugold keeper Lizzy Schoknecht, who recorded four saves in the frame to help UWEC extend their lead to 11-6.

UW-Eau Claire sealed the result early in the fourth with a lightning-fast three-goal blitz in the opening two minutes. Hamline refused to quit, as Aoi Suzuki and Rehder both scored late off assists from Reagan Zywicki, but the Blugold transition game proved too much to bridge the gap.

The Pipers will be back at home on Saturday, March 28 to take on Colorado College at 11 AM at Klas Field.