GRINNELL, Iowa – A huge second period propelled Grinnell College's women's basketball team to a lead it wouldn't relinquish in a 67-57 win over Iowa Wesleyan University Tuesday night at Darby Gymnasium.
The victory, sparked by a 23-11 scoring edge in the second frame, snapped a four-game losing streak to the Tigers dating back to 1992 as Grinnell improved to 3-2. Iowa Wesleyan fell to 0-6.
Tyria Heath '21 and Kayla Morrissey '18 provided a solid one-two punch for the Pioneers. Heath erupted for a career-high 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 6-of-7 performance from the free throw line.
Kayla Morrissey '18 posted the Pioneers' first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds to go along with five assists and a career-high three blocks. She was also 9-of-10 from the free throw line to aid the Pioneers' 89.5 percent success rate from the stripe.
Regan Kasprak '19 added 12 points and four steals. Abby Hellweg '19 had a career-high two steals, while Claire Collier '21 also had two thefts. Mikayla Kricfalusi '20 had a career-high two blocks as the Pioneers tallied seven as a team.
It was all Iowa Wesleyan at the start, as the visitors took a 16-6 lead before settling for a 19-14 cushion by the end of the first period.
After falling behind by nine early in the second quarter, the Pioneers went to work. Heath sparked an 8-0 run with two baskets, while Kasprak and Kricfalusi also scored to bring the Pioneers within 23-22.
The teams went back and forth for a bit before the Pioneers closed out the half on a strong note with a 6-0 run. Nursing a one-point lead, Grinnell got a layup from Kasprak, two free throws from Morrissey and two more charity shots by Kasprak to lead 37-30 at the break.
Grinnell led by as many as 14 in the third period and was up 53-41 entering the fourth quarter.
Iowa Wesleyan got as close as seven down the stretch, but the Pioneers fended off the visitors to secure the win.
Grinnell opens Midwest Conference play Friday night at Beloit College. The tip is slated for 7:30 p.m.