GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's women's basketball team faced a big showdown in Midwest Conference play Wednesday, and passed the test with flying colors.
 
The Pioneers and Knox College entered the game tied for fourth place in the league standings, but Grinnell finished the night a game ahead of the Prairie Fire after posting a thrilling 57-53 victory at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Though the game was close many times, Grinnell never trailed while improving to 10-5 in the MWC and 12-8 overall. The conference win total is fourth-highest in Pioneer history.
 
Knox, which was held to one of its lowest scoring outputs of the season, fell to 9-6 in the league and 12-8 overall.
 
Every player who got into the game but one scored for Grinnell, with Alex Neckopulos '17 leading the way with her fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Kayla Morrissey '18 and Sophia Gatton '17 had 10 points each and Leah Greenberg '17 added a season-high nine.
 
Gatton and Haley Lopez '17 each dished out four assists, and Lydia Stariha '17 and Ariel Keller '17 added two steals apiece.
 
Grinnell led by four in the first period before closing with a five-point run as Morrissey made a layup and Lopez a 3-pointer for a 13-4 edge.
 
The Pioneers worked their lead as big as 13 in the second period before Knox came back to make it a 28-25 game at intermission.
 
Three times in the third period Knox came within one, but Grinnell continually held off the visitors. The final one-point lead in the quarter was countered by Greenberg's 3-pointer to give Grinnell a 38-34 edge heading into the final frame.
 
Knox made it a one-point game midway through the fourth period, but Morrissey scored two baskets in a row and Neckopulos another to push the Pioneers ahead by seven.
 
Knox made one final run, coming within 54-53 with 23 seconds left.
 
The Prairie Fire fouled Morrissey and she calmly sank both shots for a 56-53 edge. After a missed basket by Knox, Stariha was fouled and hit a free throw in the waning seconds to secure the victory for Grinnell.
 
The Pioneers entertain St. Norbert College Saturday. Action at Darby Gymnasium tips at 1 p.m.