GRINNELL, Iowa - Grinnell College's women's basketball team not only halted a two-game losing streak in impressive fashion, but tied a school record in the process.
The Pioneers exploded for 27 points in the second period, tying a school record for points in a quarter in an 85-67 win over Providence University College of Manitoba, Canada, Sunday afternoon in Darby Gymnasium.
The second-quarter point total not only equaled the previous record established against Knox College on Jan. 12, 2016, but also helped Grinnell expand its lead to 46-24 by halftime.
Tyria Heath '21 tied her career high with 28 points for the 2-3 Pioneers, while Kathryn Stender '21 posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The rebound total matched a career high.
Kate Tomczik '22 added 12 points and Sofia Ahooja '22 poured in 10 while collecting two steals. Stender, Heath and Aidan Coalson '22 also had two steals each, with Coalson's being a career best. Emmy Nyquist '23 dished out six assists.
Grinnell bolted out to a 7-2 lead as Ahooja had a free throw and layup and Heath a pair of close-range baskets. The lead got as big as seven before the Pilots rallied for a 13-all tie. However, Heath nailed a 3-pointer and Coalson converted a traditional three-point play to make it a 19-13 Pioneer lead after one period.
Providence sliced the gap to four at the start of the second quarter, but Grinnell responded as Annie Filkins '23 drained a 3-pointer and Tomczik made two free throws and layup to push the Pioneers ahead 26-15.
After Providence closed within eight, Ellie Gubbrud '22 made a free throw, Heath a layup and Coalson another layup to make it 31-18. Grinnell's lead was never in single digits again as the hosts pulled away and the Pilots fell to 4-3.
Grinnell returns to Darby Gymnasium Tuesday to face Iowa Wesleyan University in a 5:30 p.m. test.