FOREST CITY, Iowa – In need of momentum entering winter break, the Grinnell College women's basketball team got it in a big way.
 
Grinnell snapped a four-game losing streak Friday night with a 57-45 non-conference victory over NAIA foe Waldorf College. Not only did Grinnell break its recent skid, but avenged last season's 70-60 setback to the Warriors.
 
The Pioneers, who improved to 3-7, used a big second period to pull away. With the contest tied at 15-all after one period, the Pioneers went on a 16-6 second-quarter run to stretch their halftime lead to 31-21.
 
Erin Lillis '24 poured in 20 points for the winners on 9-of-17 shooting from 3-point land, including a 2-of-4 effort on 3-pointers. Nikki Ware '25 was next in line with eight points.
 
Grinnell dominated inside, out-rebounding the hosts 41-29. P.K. Hall '25 and Sara Booher '25 each had eight board for Grinnell. Lillis added five assists.
 
Entering the second period tied, Grinnell immediately went to work as Ware drained a 3-pointer and Booher hit a layup to make it 20-15. The Warriors, who fell to 3-8, kept it close and were within 24-21 when Grinnell finished out the period with a seven-point surge. Eva Carchidi '24 began things with a 3-pointer, Sarah Toay '23 made a layup and Lillis added another layup to make it a 10-point halftime lead.
 
Three times in the third period, Waldorf climbed within four. After the last instance, Ware made a layup and three free throws, Kelsey Ericksen '26 cashed in on a 3-pointer and Lillis made a layup to put the visitors on top 47-33. The Pioneers took a 47-37 lead into the final period and cruised to victory.
 
The Pioneers have some time off before hosting Rockford College Dec. 31 in Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is 3 p.m.