WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Grinnell College women's basketball team accomplished something it hadn't done in more than a decade Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pioneers punched their ticket to the Midwest Conference Tournament for the first time since the 2003-04 season with a 67-61 victory over Carroll University, their ninth win in their last 10 outings.
 
But the accomplishments don't stop there. Grinnell's win was its first at Carroll since the 2003-04 season to erase a nine-game dry spell in Waukesha. Additionally, by improving to 14-6 overall, the Pioneers have the most wins by the program since 2003-04.
 
Alissa Hirsh '16 again was a major force for Grinnell, scoring 19 points and dishing out five assists to put her within four of tying the Pioneer career assist record. Alex Neckopulos '17 also had a stellar game, collecting yet another double-double with 17 rebounds and 10 points to go along with three steals.
 
Kayla Morrissey '18 hit 7-of-10 shots to finish with 16 points as the Pioneers improved to 11-4 in the MWC. Carroll, which had beaten Grinnell earlier this season, is 6-13 overall and 5-9 in the league.
 
Grinnell held three-point leads both after the first period and halftime at 16-13 and 32-29. The Pioneers were ahead 47-43 after three periods before Carroll rallied for a 53-51 lead.
 
However, Grinnell responded with a key eight-point run as Anne Boldt '16 hit a 3-pointer, Sophia Gatton '17 nailed a jumper and Hirsh made a layup and free throw for a 59-53 edge with 4:40 left.
 
After Carroll got within three, Grinnell got baskets from Hirsh and Neckopulos to put the game out of reach at 65-58 with 1:26 left.