MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – A rough second quarter hurt the Grinnell College women's basketball team in a 66-38 loss at Iowa Wesleyan University Saturday.
The Pioneers trailed 11-7 after one quarter before the hosts outscored them 20-5 in the second frame for a 31-12 halftime lead.
Kaitlyn Norton '17 led Grinnell with 12 points and two steals.
Kayla Morrissey '18 added eight points and eight rebounds, while
Haley Lopez '17 dished out a career-high four assists.
Sophia Gatton '17 added two steals for the Pioneers, who are 2-2 on the season. Iowa Wesleyan moved to 1-4.
A free throw by Gatton, jumper by Norton and basket from
Alex Neckopulos '17 kept Grinnell close in the first period at 8-5 before Iowa Wesleyan closed the frame with a 3-2 run.
Norton opened the second quarter with a jumper to bring the Pioneers within two at 11-9, but the hosts answered with a five-point run. After a 3-pointer by Grinnell's
Lydia Stariha '17 to make it 16-12, the hosts closed out the half with a 15-0 run to take command.
Grinnell opens Midwest Conference play Friday when Beloit College visits Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.
