GRINNELL, Iowa – A rough night shooting the ball proved too much for the Grinnell College women's basketball team to overcome as the Pioneers lost a 60-40 decision to Cornell College at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Grinnell shot just 25.5 percent from the field (12-of-47) in Wednesday's setback and was just 2-of-20 from 3-point land for 10 percent. Kate Tomczik '22 had a solid game for Grinnell, posting her fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with a career-high five steals.
 
Tyria Heath '21 added 11 points, three assists and two steals, while Aidan Coalson '22 had her best outing of the season with collegiate bests of six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Sasha Thomas '22 contributed a career-high five rebounds as Grinnell fell to 4-6 in the Midwest Conference and 6-10 overall.
 
Cornell, 5-4 in the MWC and 5-9 in all games, built a 6-2 lead before Grinnell surged back into contention. Heath made two free throws and Thomas added a layup and free throw to put the hosts ahead 7-6.
 
Tomczik continued things with a jumper and Heath hit a layup, completing the 9-0 run as Grinnell led 11-6 with 4:57 left in the opening quarter. Cornell rallied, though, twice tying the game before Grinnell led 15-14 after the first frame.
 
Cornell went up by two early in the second quarter before Grinnell tied it for a final time at 17-all on Tomczik's jumper with 8:46 to go. The Rams then delivered a critical blow, putting together a 10-point run. Grinnell managed just three points the rest of the period, two free throws by Heath and another by Tomczik, as the Rams led 31-20 at intermission.
 
Tomczik's basket to open the second half brought Grinnell within nine, but Cornell responded with another 10-point run and built its lead to 49-27 entering the final quarter. Cornell cruised to the finish from there.
 
The Pioneers take to the road Saturday to face Knox College. Tip-off in Galesburg, Ill., is 1 p.m.