GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's women's basketball team had to work overtime Sunday afternoon, but that was A-OK in the eyes of the Pioneers as they toppled a seasoned College of Saint Benedict squad 70-63 at Darby Gymnasium.
The victory pushed Grinnell to 7-3 on the season, its best mark since the 2013-14 campaign, and provided the Pioneers with their first overtime victory in two seasons. Saint Benedict dipped to 6-3.
Grinnell led nearly the entire way before Saint Benedict rallied, taking a 56-54 lead on a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left. Following a timeout by each team, Grinnell got a shot off in the waning seconds but it was off the mark. However, Sara Booher '25 was in the right place at the right time, grabbing the rebound and quickly putting the ball up and in before time expired.
Grinnell fed off that momentum in overtime, as Nikki Ware '25 kicked off the extra period with a 3-pointer. Booher followed with a steal and Erin Lillis '24 converted a layup to put Grinnell on top 61-56.
Twice the visitors closed within two points, but both times Grinnell responded. The first instance saw Lillis make a jumper to put the hosts on top 63-59, and the second occurrence had Eva Carchidi '24 drain a 3-pointer to make it 66-61.
After the Bennies came within three, Lillis was fouled and hit two key free throws with 29 seconds left. Following a Saint Benedict miss, Bailey Strovers '27 was fouled and made a free throw. Ware finished off the scoring with a free throw with nine ticks left on the clock.
Lillis and Ware led Grinnell's scoring charge with 18 and 16 points, respectively, with Ware's total including a 3-of-4 performance from the 3-point arc and Lillis making all six of her free throws. Booher was also in double figures with 11.
Ware and Strovers grabbed seven boards apiece and Booher added six, with Ware's total being a career-high. Booher, who blocked three shots, and Reese Stephens '27 each dished out a career-high three assists. Lillis also had three. Grinnell managed a season-high nine steals, with Lillis and Ware getting two apiece.
Grinnell got out to an 11-10 lead by the end of the first period and was up 25-18 at halftime. The Pioneers kept control in the third quarter, closing it with a 39-33 lead. The Pioneers were still up by eight midway through the fourth period before Saint Benedict rallied to set up the exciting conclusion.
Booher moved up to sixth on Grinnell's career blocked shots list with 68, while Ware leaped to 11th for career treys with 74. Lillis now ranks 12th in career scoring with 951 points.
Grinnell is off until Dec. 29-30 when it plays the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Keene State at St. Petersburg, Fla.