MONMOUTH, Ill. - Despite a near-record free throw display by Kayla Morrissey '18, the Grinnell College women's basketball team lost an 80-63 decision at Monmouth College Wednesday.
 
Morrissey drained 16-of-18 free throws, with the total made being just two shy of the school record of 18 established in 1985 by Yvonne Stroud.
 
Morrissey finished with 28 points and six rebounds, and also boosted her career field goal total to 440 to move into sixth all-time at Grinnell.
 
Regan Kasprak '19 had a solid all-around game with 13 points, three assists and two steals, while Tyria Heath '21 also had two steals.
 
Both teams are now 4-8 in the Midwest Conference. The Pioneers moved to 7-10 overall, while the hosts improved to 7-12.
 
Kasprak got Grinnell off to a great start with a 3-pointer, but the Fighting Scots rolled back and went up 18-5 before settling for a 25-12 lead at the end of the first period.
 
Monmouth went up by 17 points in the second period before Grinnell came back, closing within nine at 37-28 on Morrissey's free throws. The Fighting Scots went into the locker room with a 42-32 lead.
 
The Pioneers got as close as seven in the third period when Heath's layup made it 47-40. Grinnell still trailed by just nine a bit later when Monmouth closed the door with 15 unanswered points.
 
Monmouth led 68-44 after three quarters and secured the win in the fourth frame.
 
Grinnell entertains Illinois College at 5 p.m. Saturday in Darby Gymnasium.