The College of Saint Benedict basketball team secured its fourth-straight MIAC conference championship today as the Blazers defeated Hamline 70-56.

CSB began the game with a 7-0 run over Hamline in the first 2:30 of the game and continued to extend the lead to 21-7 with nine minutes remaining.  The Pipers started to make up the difference by posting a 10-0 run of their own and soon enough tying the game at 27 with two minutes left in the half.  The Blazers, however, never broke down, staying ahead 30-27 into halftime.

Even though Hamline grabbed a 35-34 lead with 17 minutes left on the clock, CSB didn't back down, taking back the lead 30 seconds later and never letting go.  The remainder of the game proved to be a physical one, but the Blazers pulled through in the end 70-56.

Sophomore post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, MN, Caledonia) led the Blazers with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots.  Senior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, MN, Edina) and sophomore wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, MN, Watertown-Mayer) added 12 points and 5 rebounds each.  Stifter also totaled five assists.

This win makes the Blazers the first women's basketball team in MIAC history to win four consecutive MIAC conference championships.  They also secure the top seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

CSB next hosts the University of St. Thomas on Wed., Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Box Score