ROCKFORD, Ill. – Grinnell College played on even terms with Rockford University for the first half of Wednesday's game, but the Regents used a big third quarter to pull away for a 67-50 non-conference win.
 
Erin Lillis '24 had another huge offensive performance for Grinnell (2-1), erupting for 23 points. Teammate Nicole Ware '25 contributed 11 points and Kate Tomczik '22 and Sara Booher '25 each grabbed six boards.
 
Booher also had three blocks, Lillis three assists and Tomczik, Sofia Ahooja '22, Lillis and Payton Hall '25 one steal each.
 
Rockford (2-0) led 11-10 after one period before Grinnell got its first lead when Lillis opened the second period with a layup. The teams went back and forth for a bit after which Grinnell twice opened up four-point leads, the first at 22-18 on a layup by Aidan Coalson '22 and again at 24-20 on Lillis' jumper.
 
But Rockford closed the half with a 10-1 run for a 30-25 halftime lead. Grinnell was within five early in the second period when a free throw by Lillis made it 33-28, but the Regents came alive in a big way. They finished the period with a 19-8 run and were up 52-36 at its conclusion on their way to victory.
 
Grinnell return to Darby Gymnasium Saturday when Nebraska Wesleyan University visits for a 3 p.m. tip.