ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Scots took on the Pipers of Hamline this afternoon in a MIAC matchup. The Macalester women's basketball team put up a fight, but ultimately fell to the Pipers 55-46. Macalester is now 9-15 (6-13 MIAC) while Hamline is now 11-11 (9-9 MIAC).

Junior guard/forward Peyton Starks (St. Louis, Mo./John Burroughs School) put up the first five points for the Scots to take an early lead. The Pipers would work to tie the game but first year guard Sydnee Smith (Gainesville, Va./Patriot) sank one from beyond the arc to keep a 9-6 lead with 2:36 on the clock. However, Hamline would go on a run to lead 16-9 into the second. Senior guard Andrea Palmen (Kenosha, Wis./The Prairie School) sank a three to directly answer a three-pointer from the Pipers to keep a seven-point difference. However, the Scots, led by Starks and junior guard/forward Katherine Norquist (Chicago, Ill./Walter Payton College Prep) were able to closed down the deficit, trailing 25-21 at the break.

To begin the third, Starks tied the game at 27-27. Norquist would then drain some buckets for a 31-27 lead with 5:35 on the clock. Both teams battled back and forth, but the Pipers squeaked into the lead, 37-35 into the fourth. Norquist and Starks were able to keep the Pipers within three points, but the Pipers went on a 14-8 run to close out the last six minutes of the game, and the Scots fell 55-46.

Starks registered a double-double, totaling 22 points and 11 rebounds. She also put up three blocks. Norquist totaled 14 points this afternoon and led the team with five assists. The Scots shot 33.3% from the field.

Macalester's next game will be Saturday Feb 17. The Scots host Augsburg in the Leonard Center at 1:00 p.m.