The 2012-2013 women’s basketball team ended their season on a high note as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and finished with a winning record.

“Memorable” was the one word Kerri Stockwell, head coach of Piper women’s basketball, used to describe this season.

“From start to finish, there was a definite focus and purpose to this season,” Stockwell said.

Last Tuesday, the Hamline Pipers faced the Saint Benedict Blazers in the quarterfinals of the MIAC playoffs. Despite the loss, the Pipers displayed their ‘don’t look back, don’t back down’ mentality as they never showed any signs of quitting and played hard until the final buzzer sounded.

In the final 1:30, they played with the same intensity as they did from the start. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Blazers were able to hold on for an 86-79 victory that brought Hamline’s season to a close.

That has really been the story of the season. This team had the ability and mental toughness to overcome a 0-5 start. Their determination to accomplish their goal–make the playoffs–paid off as they finished with an overall 14-12 record with a playoff appearance.

“This year was definitely a success,” senior captain Kara Poirier responded in an email interview. “Looking at all of our accomplishments, I couldn’t be more proud of my team.”

Along with reaching the playoffs, they have set the record for consecutive road wins as they reached six straight.

Poirier said their improvement represents how dedicated this team was during the offseason. This year, the Pipers finished 14-9 in the MIAC an improvement from last year’s 6-16 MIAC record.

“We showed we could beat the best in the conference,” Stockwell said.

The Pipers defeated the top two MIAC teams in regular season play. On Jan. 12, they beat Concordia 73-66 in overtime, and they beat St. Thomas 66-60 on Jan. 26. St. Thomas went on to win the playoff tournament to defend their MIAC title.

“The team chemistry this year was tremendous,” Stockwell said. “From the people on the floor to the bench, everyone was involved.”

She mentioned how before the season, many people had counted this team out because of their lack of height. This season was a great testament to the team. They showed they can accomplished their goals no matter what obstacles they’re presented with.

“Anything is possible. If you want it to happen bad enough and are willing to work hard enough to do it, great things will happen,” Stockwell said.

Along with Poirier, seniors Stephanie Pilgrim and Cassidy Vogt will be leaving the program. Stockwell said it’s always hard to see seniors go, but at the same time, it’s exciting to see new faces join the team.

The seniors’ work ethic and accomplishments have built a foundation for the returners. They lead by example and have now passed the torch down to the next class.

“I really appreciate all my teammates for helping to make this such a wonderful senior season,” Poirier messaged. “I am very excited to support them next year as they continue this tradition of success.”

Stockwell has made it clear her team is striving for another opportunity to compete in the playoffs next year.

“It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get there,” she said.

Stockwell’s plan is to build off this past season’s momentum. She made an analogy, saying this transition is sort of like life: moving forward with the things that have gotten you in a good position and finding things to improve on.