GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College moved to 2-0 in Midwest Conference women's basketball play and Alissa Hirsh '16 had a milestone performance as the Pioneers gutted out an 82-78 victory Saturday afternoon at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Hirsh had a team-high 21 points - thanks to a 9-of-12 shooting performance that included makes on both her 3-point tries – to push her over the 1,000-point mark for her career. She is just the eighth Pioneer to accomplish that feat, and the first since the 2007-08 season.
 
Anne Boldt '16 tied Hirsh for team-high honors with 21 points, while Kayla Morrissey '18 had 15.
 
Hirsh also dished out nine assists and had five steals, while Alex Neckopulos '17 grabbed eight rebounds.
 
The Pioneers blasted their way out to a 26-8 lead by the end of the first period. Boldt had 10 of those points, while Hirsh and Sophia Gatton '17 scored six each and Morrissey four.
 
Grinnell led 42-33 at halftime and maintained a 62-50 lead at the end of three quarters.
 
But Beloit made things interesting in the final period, racing back to four times cut the Pioneers' lead to one. But Grinnell responded when it had to, as Boldt sank a free throw with :26 left to stretch the lead to 80-78.
 
Hirsh followed with a key steal and Lydia Stariha '17 sealed the win with a layup with 11 ticks left on the clock.
 
Grinnell is now 3-1 overall, while Beloit fell to 1-1 in the MWC and 2-3 overall.
 
The Pioneers travel to Mount Vernon on Wednesday to take on Cornell College. Game time is 7:30 p.m.