GRINNELL, Iowa – After losing big at Midwest Conference co-leader Ripon College earlier this month, the Grinnell College women's basketball team made big strides in Saturday afternoon's rematch.
 
The Pioneers were right with the Red Hawks the entire first quarter and were within striking range much of the second before falling 70-47 at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Sofia Ahooja '22 and Tyria Heath '21 gave Grinnell a solid one-two scoring punch with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Ahooja also had two steals. Kate Tomczik '22 added a nice all-round game with nine points, five boards and four steals, while Ellie Gubbrud '22 had a career-best five rebounds.
 
Grinnell, 4-9 in the league and 6-13 overall, made 19 free throws on the day, their second-highest total of the year. With the win, Ripon moved to 10-2 in the MWC and 11-8 in all games.
 
Though the Pioneers never led, they forced a 6-all tie on Heath's jumper and twice more moved within a point when Heath and Aidan Coalson '22 hit baskets to make it 9-8 and 11-10, respectively.
 
The big Red Hawks' team took off a bit and was up 19-13 after one period. After falling behind by eight, the Pioneers made things interesting as Heath made two free throws and Ahooja swished a 3-pointer to bring Grinnell within 21-18 with 7:22 left in the half.
 
But Ripon countered with a seven-point run and was up 38-25 at halftime. The Red Hawks stretched their lead to 60-36 after three quarters, but the Pioneers finished off well by winning the fourth quarter 11-10.
 
During the game, Daria Guzzo '19 moved up to 13th on Grinnell's all-time list for career blocked shots with 35.
 
The Pioneers take to the road Wednesday to play Beloit College. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.