Box Score GRINNELL, Iowa – Sparked by Alissa Hirsh's '16 double-double, the Grinnell College women's basketball team rolled to an 89-80 victory over Monmouth College Tuesday at Darby Gymnasium.
 
The win snapped the Pioneers' four-game losing streak to Monmouth, dating back to the 2011-12 season. Grinnell's point total is the eighth-highest in Pioneer history.
 
Hirsh poured in a game-high 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Grinnell improved to 1-1 in the Midwest Conference and 1-3 overall. She also had game-highs of six assists and three steals.
 
Kayla Morrissey '18 hit 6-of-7 field goals while scoring 15 points, and Alex Neckopulos '17 had 12 points while shooting 5-of-6 from the field. Lydia Stariha '17 added 10 points.
 
Paige Nord scored 17 points for the Fighting Scots, who fell to 0-2 in MWC play and 1-3 in all games.
 
The early action was tight most of the way and the game was deadlocked at 36-all when Grinnell finished off the half with a 13-4 run. Neckopulos hit a basket and Stariha two to push the Pioneers ahead 42-36.
 
After Monmouth scored, Hirsh made two layups for a 46-38 edge. The Fighting Scots added two free throws before Leah Greenberg '17 drained a 3-pointer to give the Pioneers a 49-40 lead at intermission.
 
Grinnell kept cruising in the second half, going up by as many as 19 points twice midway through.
 
But Monmouth gradually rallied, closing with five points with :34 left before Hirsh secured the win with four consecutive free throws.
 
The Pioneers return to Darby Gymnasium Saturday when Lake Forest College visits for a MWC contest. Game time is 1 p.m.