GRINNELL, Iowa – A tough shooting night cost the Grinnell College women's basketball team in its season opener against Central College at Darby Gymnasium.
The Pioneers hit just 21 percent of their field goal tries (13-of-62), and Central's Claire Marburger tallied 32 points and 15 rebounds as the Dutch won 75-39.
Kayla Morrissey '18 led Grinnell with 13 points and two blocks.
Alex Neckopulos '17, who is third on the Pioneers' all-time rebounding chart, had eight boards and
Haley Lopez '17 added five rebounds and two steals.
Leah Greenberg '17 hit two 3-pointers for six points.
Central got out to leads of 6-0, 9-2 and 14-3 before the Pioneers went on a five-point run as Morrissey made two free throws and
Kaitlyn Norton '17 hit a 3-pointer to make it 14-8.
However, the visitors bounced back and led 17-6 after one period.
Grinnell got as close as seven points in the second period, the final time at 21-14 on a layup by Neckopulos. Central closed out the period with a 15-2 run and led 36-16 at halftime.
Central upped its cushion to 56-29 by the end of three periods.
Grinnell has a chance to get into the win column Saturday when Macalester College visits Darby Gymnasium. The tip is at 3 p.m.
