GRINNELL, Iowa – The Grinnell College football team had a strong performance Saturday afternoon, but in the end lost a 41-31 decision to Beloit College in the Pioneers' season opener at Rosenbloom Field.
 
Grinnell led 24-21 late in the first half before the visitors reeled off 20 unanswered points.
 
Sam Poulos '16 had a big passing day for the Pioneers, completing 20-of-28 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Emmi Sandoval '16 caught seven passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns, while Henry Cummings '16 had six catches for 105 yards and a score.
 
On defense, Ryan Slager '19 had 18 tackles and Vinny Pavoni '19, Ben Lim '19 and Edward Hardman '16 nine apiece.
 
Beloit got out to a 7-0 lead before Poulos hit Sandoval with a 3-yard scoring pass with 8:02 left in the first period. Graham Fisher '16 kicked the point after on the drive, which included a 46-yard pass to Greg Ruzich '16.
 
Beloit scored touchdowns at the end of the period and again in the second for a 21-7 lead. Grinnell got back in it as Poulos hit Cummings with a 54-yard TD pass with 11:27 to go in the second period and paired up with Sandoval on a 24-yard TD pass with 7:49 to go. Fisher hit both extra points to make it a 21-all tie, and then drilled a 49-yard field goal with 4:38 left to put the Pioneers ahead.
 
Beloit scored toward the end of the half and had a TD in the third period for a 34-24 lead.
 
The visitors added a score early in the fourth period before Grinnell completed the scoring when Poulos hit Ruzich on a 3-yard TD pass. Fisher had the PAT.
 
The Pioneers entertain Luther College next Saturday at Rosenbloom Field. Game time is 1 p.m.