MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – Grinnell College's women's basketball team battled back after digging itself a hole, but couldn't quite catch up as Cornell College came away with a 58-45 win Wednesday. 
 
The Pioneers, who are 1-2 in the Midwest Conference and 3-5 overall, had a balanced scoring attack with Daria Guzzo '19 and Tyria Heath '21 each scoring 10 points. Kate Tomczik '22 added eight points and seven rebounds, while Sofia Ahooja '22 came up with three assists and three steals. Sasha Thomas '22 also had a career-high three assists. 
 
Cornell, 2-1 in the MWC and 2-4 overall, broke out to a 16-7 lead after the first period and increased that to 33-17 by halftime. Trailing by 17 midway through the third quarter, the Pioneers came alive as Tomczik hit a jumper, Keely Conroy '22 added a 3-pointer and Thomas followed with another trey to make it 36-27 with 2:25 left. 
 
However, Cornell finished the period with a run and led 45-30 entering the fourth quarter. The Pioneers got as close as 10 points in the fourth period when Guzzo scored inside with 4:36 left to make it 55-45. But the Rams held Grinnell scoreless the rest of the way to secure the win. 
 
Grinnell plays its first home league game Saturday when Knox College visits Darby Gymnasium. Action begins at 1 p.m.