Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Grinnell College women's basketball team lost its Midwest Conference opener Saturday afternoon, falling 72-58 at Illinois College.

Anne Boldt '16 and Alissa Hirsh '16 led Grinnell with 20 and 19 points, respectively. Hirsh and Alex Neckopulus '17 had six rebounds each, while Hirsh dished out five assists and Boldt tallied five steals.

Illinois College, 1-0 in the MWC and 2-1 overall, grabbed a 41-39 halftime lead. The Pioneers led 6-4 after Boldt's two free throws, but the hosts answered with a 14-4 run for an 18-10 lead. However, the visitors answered right back and went up by five at 35-30 on Boldt's three free throws with 4:09 left in the half.

Grinnell still led 37-33 after Boldt's layup at the 3:35 mark, but Illinois College finished the half with an 8-2 run to go ahead by two.

Grinnell managed to take a 46-42 lead early in the second half on Hirsh's jumper, but the hosts answered with a 9-0 run and never trailed again.

Grinnell, 0-1 in the MWC and 0-3 overall, plays at Beloit College next Saturday. Game time is 3 p.m.