The Grinnell Pioneers lost a hard-fought 59-57 women’s basketball contest at Beloit College on Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers, 2-10 in the Midwest Conference and 4-15 in all games, got 18 points from Jessica Shotts (pictured) ’10 and 10 from Michelle Briggs ’13. Elizabeth Burnett ’13 came up with eight rebounds, Briggs had seven, Ashley Jeannin ’12 dished out seven assists and Brianna Gallo ’11 had two steals.
Beloit, 6-7 in league play and 8-12 overall, got 14 points from Sarah Stariha.
Grinnell built its lead as big as five in the first half when a 3-pointer by Shotts made it 10-5. Beloit made a slight rally, but the visitors were up 21-19 at the break. In the second half, Grinnell built the lead up to six at 40-34 on a jumper by Sara Hoffman ’12 at the 11:20 mark.
But Beloit continued to make it close and it was a back-and-forth contest from there. The Pioneers were still ahead by two at 57-55 when Gallo made a free throw at the 2:03 mark. A free throw by Beloit with 1:22 left and basket at the :55 mark put the Buccaneers ahead to stay. Beloit then got another free throw for a two-point lead with :38 remaining. A 3-pointer at the buzzer by Grinnell was off the mark as the hosts pulled out the win.
Grinnell returns to the home court Wednesday when Knox College visits Darby Gymnasium. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
