GRINNELL, Iowa – A women's soccer contest featuring the Midwest Conference co-leaders lived up to that billing on a soggy and slippery Saturday at Springer Field.
 
Grinnell College and Knox College both entered the contest at 3-0 in the MWC and played every bit like it, taking part in a fiery defensive battle that was tied 1-all after regulation. Late in the first overtime, Knox ended up finding the back of the net to secure a 2-1 victory.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers jumped in front in the 62nd minute on Simona Bambi's '20 second goal of the year. On the play, Jordan Maddaus '19 connected with Bambi in the middle of the box for a straight-in shot and goal. It was the team-high fourth assist of the season for Maddaus.
 
Grinnell held Knox, a team that had scored 17 goals in its previous four outings, scoreless for 67-plus minutes before the Prairie Fire scored on a penalty kick. The contest remained 1-all through regulation before Knox scored eight minutes into the extra period to improve to 4-0 in the MWC and 8-2-2 in all games. Grinnell is now 3-1 in the MWC and 5-4-1 overall.
 
Grinnell keeper Elizabeth Hunt '21 played another incredible game, registering 10 saves. The Pioneers managed eight shots, with three by Bambi, two from Maddaus and one each by Elyse Salpekar '19, Hope Nowak '22 and Esmé Kayim-Yanko '21.
 
The Pioneers take to the road next weekend, playing at Ripon College at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.