by GRINNELL, Iowa – Down through three quarters of play, the Grinnell College women’s basketball team rose to the occasion.
The Pioneers outscored Beloit College 15-5 in the final frame to end their four-game losing streak with a 58-52 victory at Darby Gymnasium. The win pushes the Pioneers to 5-9 in the Midwest Conference and 7-13 overall, while Beloit fell to 3-10 in league play and 4-16 overall.
The Pioneers were shooting just 36 percent from the field and 19 percent from 3-point land through the first three quarters, but came up big in the final stanza by hitting 58 percent of their shots from the field (7-of-12) while going 1-of-2 from 3-point land.
Tyria Heath (Mohican/Menominee) had 19 points, three steals and two assists to lead the way for Grinnell, while Olivia Woolam’21 added eight points, Sofia Ahooja ’22 seven and Aidan Coalson ’22 a career-high six. Ahooja also had a career-high four steals, the same number as Kate Tomczik ’22. Daria Guzzo ’19 grabbed 11 rebounds and Hanna Kessel ’19 tallied two assists.
Grinnell had 14 steals in the game, its highest total of the season, while making 24 free throws and shooting 40.7 percent from the field. Both of those figures are second best for the team this season. Additionally, Grinnell had one blocked shot to move its season total to 68, sixth best in program history.
After trailing 8-3 in the first period, the Pioneers reeled off a 13-point run as Woolam connected on a 3-pointer and layup and Guzzo, Tomczik, Coalson and Ahooja added baskets for a 16-8 lead.
However, Beloit rallied to within 16-10 by the end of the period and grabbed a 28-27 halftime lead. The Buccaneers maintained control in the third period and led 47-43 at its conclusion.
But with their backs to the wall, the Pioneers responded. Heath opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer and Coalson delivered on a jumper to put Grinnell ahead for good. Heath followed with consecutive layups and Tomczik added another as Grinnell built its cushion to 54-47 with 4:48 left. After Beloit got a free throw, Heath made consecutive baskets as Grinnell pulled away for the win.
