MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – The Grinnell College women's basketball team took two-time defending Midwest Conference champion Cornell College to the wire Wednesday before falling 72-69.
 
Alissa Hirsh '16 scored 20 points for the Pioneers, who are 4-6 in the league and 6-9 overall. Anne Boldt '16 added 14 points and Sophia Gatton '17 scored 10.
 
Hirsh added five assists and two steals, while Alex Neckopulos '17 grabbed 10 rebounds.
 
Cornell moved to 7-4 in the conference and 9-7 in all games.
 
Grinnell had a great start and led by 18 in the first half with Hirsh's basket made it 43-25 with 3:06 left. The Pioneers were up 47-35 at the break.
 
Cornell gradually came back in the second half en route to the victory.
 
Grinnell entertains Beloit College Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m. at Darby Gymnasium.