LAKE FOREST, Ill. – After falling behind big in the first quarter, the Grinnell College women's basketball team mounted a furious comeback in their Midwest Conference opener at Lake Forest College Friday.
The Pioneers went wild in the second period, turning a 13-point deficit into a five-point lead before settling for a 34-30 halftime edge. However, the hosts rallied in the second half to come away with a 62-57 victory.
Tyria Heath '21 had a career night for Grinnell, posting all-time collegiate bests of 23 points and four blocks to go along with three assists and two steals.
Olivia Woolam '21 added nine points, all on 3-pointers, while
Kate Tomczik '22 and
Daria Guzzo '19 had eight rebounds each and
Aidan Coalson '22 a career-high six.
Sofia Ahooja '22 added three assists for Grinnell, which fell to 2-4 overall. Lake Forest moved to 1-0 in the league and 2-4 in all games.
Grinnell fell behind 22-9 in the first period and trailed 22-11 at its conclusion. Rather than giving in after trailing 26-14 early in the second period, the Pioneers went to work with an 18-1 run.
Kathryn Stender '21 started things off with a 3-pointer, and Heath and Guzzo made layups to bring Grinnell within 26-21.
After Heath made a trey to make it a two-point game, Lake Forest scored a point. However, Woolam countered with a 3-pointer to tie the game, Heath hit a jumper and Woolam another 3-pointer to put Grinnell ahead 32-27. Lake Forest closed within 34-30 by halftime.
The teams went back and forth much of the third period, with Grinnell taking its final lead of 45-44 on Woolam's 3-pointer with 2:43 left. But the Foresters responded with a run and led 53-47 entering the final frame.
Trailing by eight early in the fourth period, Grinnell made one final run as Heath hit two layups, Tomczik added a free throw and Guzzo a layup to make it a one-point Forester lead at 58-57 with 16 seconds left. However, Lake Forest made four free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Grinnell continues its road trip Saturday at Lawrence University. Tip-off in Appleton, Wis., is at 1 p.m.
