GRINNELL, Iowa – With its back against the wall, the Grinnell College women's basketball team responded in stellar fashion.
 
The Pioneers, who never led in the second half until the final 41 seconds, emerged with a 63-60 victory over Emmaus Bible College at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Grinnell got 17 points from Sasha Thomas '22 on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point land, while Tyria Heath '21 scored 13 points and Kathryn Stender '21 posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards. Daria Guzzo added 11 rebounds, Kate Tomczik '22 tallied four steals and Sofia Ahooja '22 came up with four assists.
 
Grinnell opened a six-point lead in the first period when Ahooja's free throws made it 18-12, but the visitors came back within 20-18 by the end of the quarter. Emmaus continued to surge and was up 34-32 at halftime and 46-40 after three quarters.
 
Heath hit a pair of quick baskets to bring Grinnell within two to start the fourth period. Grinnell managed to force three ties in the next few minutes, but could never pull in front.
 
That changed later when, trailing by three, Heath made a jumper with 1:24 left and Stender followed an Emmaus miss with a 3-pointer from the left corner on Heath's assist to push the Pioneers ahead 62-60 with 41 seconds left.   
 
After another miss by the Eagles, Guzzo was fouled with 18 seconds left and made a free throw to put Grinnell up by three. Guzzo followed with a block of an Emmaus layup in the final seconds to secure the win.
 
Grinnell is now 1-1 on the season, while Emmaus dipped to 0-6. The Pioneers entertain Waldorf College Saturday at Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.