PELLA, Iowa - Kayla Morrissey '18 reached yet another milestone in her storied Grinnell College women's basketball career by reaching the 1,000-point mark in Thursday's 99-82 loss at Central College.

Morrissey tallied a career-high 37 on the night and now has 1,036 points for her career, becoming the ninth player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-point mark.

The Pioneers, who scored their most points in a game in nearly two years, raced back from a 19-point deficit and nearly gained the lead before the hosts pulled away.

Morrissey was 12-of-20 from the field and 12-of-15 from the line. She also had nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. Morrissey ranks 10th in program history for career field goals with 359, fifth in free throws made with 268 and eighth in blocked shots with 52.

Tyria Heath '21 had a strong effort in just her second collegiate game, scoring 18 points and dishing out three assists and coming up with two steals.

Daria Guzzo '19 added eight points, while Hanna Kessel '19 had career-highs of eight rebounds and five points.

Central broke away from a close game early to lead 27-14 after one period. The Dutch stretched their cushion to 19 points at 41-22 with 5:43 left in the second period before Grinnell began chipping away and made it 51-39 by halftime.

Grinnell opened the second half with a flurry, scoring eight unanswered points to come within four. Heath began the spurt with a free throw, Guzzo had a layup, Heath sank a layup and Kessel drained a 3-pointer to make it 51-47 with 8:07 left in the third period. 

After falling behind by 11, the Pioneers made another charge as Morrissey began a 9-0 run with two free throws. Regan Kasprak '19 followed with a layup and Morrissey made two buckets and free throw to make it a 60-58 game with 4:14 left in the period.

However, Central followed with a run of its own and led 67-60 entering the fourth quarter. Grinnell got as close as five in the fourth period when Morrissey's jumper made it 70-65, but Central answered with a six-point spurt and hung on from there.

The Pioneers are 1-1 on the season, while Central moved to 1-0.

Grinnell plays another Iowa Conference team Tuesday when Buena Vista University visits Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.