GRINNELL, Iowa - Grinnell College opened its highly-anticipated 2024-25 women's basketball campaign on the right note Friday night, using a dominant second half to topple Central Christian College of the Bible 78-50 at Darby Gymnasium.

The Pioneers used a balanced effort in the victory, with three players scoring in double digits. 

Grinnell led 14-10 after one period and 33-24 at halftime. But the Pioneers opened it up in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors 24-9 and then holding a 21-16 edge in the final frame.

Nikki Ware '25 and Bailey Strovers '27 each had 12 points for Grinnell, while Sara Booher '25 had one of what surely will be many double-doubles with 11 points and 11 boards. She also blocked a pair of shots. Ware had six assists and three steals, Strovers grabbed eight boards and Strovers and Amelia Rigel '28 each came up with two steals.

Leading by just six points early in the third quarter, Grinnell erupted for an 18-2 run over the next several minutes. Ware began things with a trey and layup, and Skylar Thomas '26 added a layup. After a bucket by the visitors, Booher made two buckets in a row, Strovers added two, Juniper Schwartzman '27 scored from close range and Cassidy Pak '28 sank a free throw for a 51-29 lead. The Pioneers rolled from there.

Grinnell has another home game Saturday when St. Olaf College visits. Tip-off at Darby is 5 p.m.