by By Ted Schultz
MONMOUTH, Ill. – After falling behind by a sizable deficit, Grinnell College’s women’s basketball team put on one of its trademark thrilling comebacks.
However, the Pioneers fell just a bit short as they lost a 76-68 decision to Midwest Conference co-leader Monmouth College Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers, 6-8 in the MWC and 10-11 overall, dug themselves into an 18-point hole early in the third period before racing back to slice the gap to four. But the Fighting Scots held on to improve to 12-2 in league play and 17-4 overall.
Tyria Heath (Menominee/Mohican) erupted for a game-high 28 points for Grinnell to go along with five rebounds and three steals. She has 480 points and 177 field goals this season, which both rank fifth all-time at Grinnell. Her career steal total of 94 is 14th all-time at Grinnell.
Kathryn Stender ’21 added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Ellie Gubbrud ’22 came up with seven boards, two steals and a block. She is 19th in Pioneer career history with 26 blocks. Claire Collier ’21 put in a career-best eight points, Stephany Dos Santos ’21 established a career high with five rebounds and Sofia Ahooja ’22 distributed two assists.
Grinnell trailed just 22-19 after one period before the Fighting Scots used a 21-8 edge in the second period for a 43-27 halftime edge. A basket immediately in the third period put the hosts ahead 45-27.
But Grinnell would not go away quietly, going on a 14-0 run to close the gap to four points. Stender was a big force early, posting consecutive layups and a trey to bring the visitors within 45-34. Collier then got into the act, draining a 3-pointer and getting a layup to make it a 45-39 game. Heath then got a layup to make it 45-41 with 2:47 left.
Monmouth broke its drought with a pair of free throws, but Heath scored again to bring Grinnell within 47-43 with 2:01 left. However, the Fighting Scots closed the period strong and led 59-47 at its conclusion.
Grinnell had one last gasp in the fourth period. Trailing by 12, Annie Filkins ’23 and Heath hit consecutive treys to bring the Pioneers within 61-55 at the 7:23 mark. But Monmouth made two 3-pointers itself and never let the Pioneers closer than seven after that.
During the game, Grinnell boosted its season free throw total to 314, which ranks fifth all-time for the program.
