It has taken just five games but freshman Molly Wampler has already become a key member of the Hamline women's basketball team's offensive attack. The Eau Claire, Wis. native delivered 12 points -- a figure matched by Alaina Quaranta -- in the Pipers' 76-56 loss to St. Thomas in the home debut for Alex Focke as head coach. 

Wampler played 28 minutes -- the second most of any Piper -- and has three rebounds and an assists in addition  to her scoring largesse. Quaraanta, who scored 24 on Tuesday at Wis-Superior, added four rebounds, an assist and a pair of steal. Morgen Coleman contributed eight points and a team high five rebounds. 

The Pipers battled the nationally ranked Tommies well in the paint, getting outscored by a mere 30-28, were even on second chance points at nine each amd did well in bench play as well. 

UST used a 12-2 run midway in the first quarter to grab an early lead. It was 19-9 at the quarter and a late burst pushed the margin to 45-25 by halftime. 

The Pipers, however, stiffened defensively in the second half and played the Tommies on even terms with each scoring 31 points. HU held a 7-5 edge in steals with Kaeli Stayer swiping a game high three.

Hamline heads to Northfield on Wednesday, December 6 to take on St. Olaf. Game time is 7:00 p.m.