GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College softball team gave the defending Midwest Conference champs all they could handle before falling in a twin bill Saturday at the Softball Complex.
 
Grinnell outhit Lake Forest College 7-5 in the opener, but lost a 2-0 decision. In the second game, the Foresters grabbed a 6-1 victory.
 
Lydia Stariha '17 went 3-of-4 at the plate for Grinnell in the opener, with a double among her totals. Kayla Morrissey '18 and Maggie Remus '18 each had two hits.
 
Melissa Anderson '18 had a strong pitching performance, firing a five-hitter and fanning four batters.
 
Grinnell got runners into scoring position in both the first and fourth innings but couldn't get anybody across the plate. Lake Forest scratched out solo runs in the fifth and seventh frames for the winning margin.
 
In the second game, Anderson had a two-hit performance to lead the Pioneers. Lake Forest scored once in the second, fourth, fifth and seventh innings and twice in the third for a 6-0 lead.
 
The Pioneers scored a run in the bottom of the seventh when Morrissey singled up the middle, went to second on Anderson's single up the middle and scored when Andi Leff '18 reached on an error.
 
Grinnell is now 5-8 in league play and 6-25 overall. Lake Forest improved to 12-1 in the MWC and 27-5 overall.
 
The Pioneers wrap up their 2015 home slate Sunday when Monmouth College visits for a MWC twin bill. The first pitch is set for noon.