Reilly Geistfeld rattled in 21 points and added a career high 17 rebounds as Hamline's women's basketball team completed a sweep of the season series against St. Benedict's with a hard fought 67-60 win Saturday at Hutton Arena. It marked the first time since the 1985-86 season that HU had beaten the Bennies twice in a season. 

Hamline improved to 11-8 overall. More importantly, they are now 6-6 in MIAC play and tied for sixth place with CSB. By virtue of the season sweep, they will hold a tiebreaker over the Bennies if the teams are tied at the end of the season. 

This was a taut defensive battle from the start. Both teams were held to 30 per cent shooting from the field in the first half, which ended with CSB holding a slim 27-25 advantage. 

Hamline started the second half on an 8-2 run to grab a four point lead at 33-29 and never trailed again. Geistfeld, who leads the MIAC in scoring at 17.3 points per game, was a major reason why HU enjoyed a 53-42 edge in rebounds. The senior also leads the league in Free Throws made, connecting on eight of 11 tries Saturday. Chan' el Anderson-Manning provided offensive support with 10 points (two three pointers), six assists and eight rebounds. Morgen Coleman added 11 points. 

HU led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter before the Bennies rallied to get within four at 64-60 with 28 seconds to play. Sophie Findell iced matters with two free throws and gabby Robinson added another one to seal the deal.  Megan Thompson led CSB with 16 points. Alex Johnson added 15 and a dozen rebounds. 

Hamline is back in action at Hutton Wednesday, January 30 against Gustavus Adolphus, one of two teams that is a rung above the Pipers in the MIAC standings at 7-4. Game time is 7:00 p.m.