Two TDs not enough to lift Pipers over Royals

The Royals scored their first touchdown in the first quarter on a three-yard run. Their second came late in the second quarter on a one-yard run. The point-after attempts were good on both, giving Bethel a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Hamline scored their first touchdown just over six minutes into the second half when Masso crossed the goal line on a one-yard run. Sophomore Derek Johnson's (Casa Grande, Ariz.) kick was good to bring the score to 14-7.

Bethel responded quickly to Hamline's score with a five-yard rushing touchdown, and followed it up with a 15-yard run seconds before the third quarter ended, bringing the score to 28-7 as they began the final quarter.

The lone touchdown in the fourth quarter came from the arm of junior quarterback James Leary (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) on a 11-yard pass to Milburn. Johnson's point-after attempt was blocked, holding the final score to 28-13.

Hamline had 165 yards of offense in the game on 111 yards rushing and 54 yards passing. Masso led the Pipers with 73 yards on the ground on 27 carries. Milburn had 22 yards on two receptions, while first-year Alex House (Champlin, Minn.) had four receptions for 13 yards and sophomore Sean Lewis (Minneapolis, Minn.) had three catches for 19 yards.

Leary was 7 for 16 in the game.

The Pipers remain on the road next Saturday as they head to St. Thomas to take on the 2-6 (2-4 MIAC) Tommies at 1:00 p.m.