Women's basketball clutch down the stretch

After taking a 32-24 lead at the half, the Tommies (3-2, 1-1 in the MIAC) came back to take a 53-51 lead with 4:53. But the Pipers (2-2, 1-2) responded immediately with a Carolyn Korchik three-pointer to take the lead for good.

From there, the Pipers won the game at the line. Hamline was 9 of 10 from the charity stripe, including 4 of 4 from Megan Haugen over the last 3:41.  St. Thomas had opportunities to cut into the Piper lead, but went 4 of 8 from the line.

The win was Hamline's first against the Tommies since the 1985-86 season - a span of 38 games. It was just the fourth victory over St. Thomas in school history.

Senior forward Laurisa Ewert led a team effort by the Pipers with 15 points on 4 of 9 from the field. She also grabbed 12 rebounds. Korchik and Haugen weach added nine points. Allison Bratsch and Kelly Lines each totaled eight points.

Tommie Erica Opdahl scored a game-high 17 points for the Pipers. Jessica Katch had 15 points while Melissa Gotchnik had 14.

The Pipers built a 32-24 lead at the break after shooting 38 percent from the floor. The Pipers broke it open with an 14-2 run midway through the half to make the score 27-14. Lines netted six points in the spurt on two three-point baskets.

St. Thomas was able to whittle the lead down to three before Hamline went on a 5-0 spurt to end the half.

Hamline will host St. Catherine on Wednesday. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.