ST. PAUL, Minn. – Grinnell College's women's basketball team bolted out to a 19-12 first-period lead, but Macalester College came back to win 69-52 on Saturday afternoon.
 
Grinnell, 1-1, was up 32-30 at halftime before Macalester outscored the Pioneers 18-8 in the third period and 21-12 in the fourth.
 
Grinnell got 20 points from Alissa Hirsh, while Kayla Morrissey grabbed eight rebounds and Alex Neckopulos and Lydia Stariha six each. Stariha also dished out three assists.
 
The first period was tied 7-all before the Pioneers exploded with a big run. Hirsh hit two layups to put the lead at four. After Macalester scored, Sophia Gatton drained a 3-pointer for a 14-9 edge. Kaitlyn Norton followed with a free throw before the Scots got a basket.
 
However, Hirsh made a layup and free throw for the eight-point edge at the end of the period.
 
Grinnell went up by 10 early in the second period before Macalester rallied for the win.
 
Grinnell opens Midwest Conference play Tuesday at Monmouth College.