GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College women's basketball team had to work overtime Saturday, but the extra effort was worth it as the Pioneers edged Lawrence University 64-59 at Darby Gymnasium.
The Pioneers outscored their foe 13-8 in the extra period to continue their dominance in the series, beating Lawrence in 19 of the last 20 meetings and extending their home winning streak against the Vikings to 10 dating back to 2007.
Kate Tomczik '22 was incredible for Grinnell, posting dominant numbers of 17 rebounds, 15 points, a career-high three assists and two steals. The rebound total was the highest for a Grinnell player in nearly four years, since Kayla Morrissey accomplished the feat in 2015.
Sasha Thomas '22 added 13 points and a career-best four rebounds, while Tyria Heath '21 tallied 11 points, four boards and two steals. Daria Guzzo '19 nearly had a double-double with 11 rebounds and nine points and Sofia Ahooja '22 got two steals as Grinnell improved to 4-5 in the Midwest Conference and 6-9 overall.
As a team, Grinnell had 51 rebounds and 20 free throws, both season highs.
Lawrence, 1-8 in the MWC and 4-11 in all games, got out to a 12-7 lead by the end of the first period and led 24-20 at intermission. The Pioneers were down seven early in the third quarter before jumping back into contention as Heath made a layup, Tomczik a free throw and Hanna Kessel '19 a layup to make it a two-point game.
Grinnell later took the lead at 30-29 on Kessel's free throw, but Lawrence rallied and was up 41-40 heading into the fourth period. The Vikings went ahead by five in the fourth period when Grinnell again rallied, as Heath made a layup and Guzzo a pair of free throws and jumper to go up 46-45.
It was back and forth after that, with Grinnell taking a 51-49 lead on Tomczik's basket with 36 seconds left. Lawrence managed to force overtime when Kenya Earl was fouled as time expired and made both free throws.
The Pioneers all but dominated overtime, beginning with a free throw by Guzzo at the 4:11 mark. Kessel added a layup and Tomczik two free throws for a 56-51 lead.
Lawrence then scored four in a row before Thomas drained a huge 3-pointer from the right corner to push the Pioneers up 59-55. After Lawrence closed within two, Tomczik made a free throw with 20 seconds left and added two more 5 seconds later for a 62-57 edge. Lawrence then scored two free throws, but Ahooja iced the win with two charity shots with 7 seconds left.
Grinnell is back in action Wednesday when Cornell College visits Darby for a 5:30 p.m. test.