The Grinnell College women's basketball team rode a balanced attack to its first victory of the 2007-08 season Saturday afternoon at Darby Gymnasium.

The Pioneers, 1-6, had six players score in double figures as they knocked off Central College 86-71 in non-conference action. The Dutch dipped to 0-7 with the setback.

Brianna Gallo '11 (pictured) led Grinnell's charge with 14 points, while Hannah Wolf '08 and Mallory Scharf '11 had 13 each. Scoring 11 were Jessica Shotts '10, Kate Norton '11 and Jessica Vaverka '11. Gallo also had seven assists and four steals, Wolf added seven rebounds and five assists and Norton grabbed six rebounds.

A fast start was key for the Pioneers as they shot out to a 16-2 lead right off the bat. Scharf and Shotts got things going with a pair of treys for a 6-0 lead. After Central scored, Vaverka and Wolf hit jumpers and Wolf a free throw for an 11-2 cushion. Miki Nakamura '10 added a jumper off Norton's steal and Shotts drained a 3-ball for a 16-2 lead with 14:22 left.

Grinnell continued to cruise and was up 44-21 at the break. Central made a bit of a dent in the lead in the second half, but never seriously threatened as the hosts cruised to victory. Part of Grinnell's success was its defense, as the Pioneers limited Central to 22.6 percent shooting from the field in the first half and 38.7 percent for the game. Megan Carman and Brittney Carlson each scored 16 points for the Dutch.

Grinnell finishes out the 2007 portion of its campaign with a non-conference test at Coe College in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 15. Game time is 3 p.m.
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