GRINNELL, Iowa – Sunday's Grinnell College women's basketball contest was nip-and-tuck nearly the entire way, with neither team ever leading by more than two possessions most of the 40-minute affair.
 
But a late run by Waldorf University sparked the visitors to a 70-60 win over the Pioneers at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Nicole Ware '25 had a huge day for Grinnell (3-5), tallying career-bests of 21 points and four assists to go along with two steals. Payton Hall '25 added a career-high eight points and two steals while also grabbing six boards.
 
Aidan Coalson '22 took in eight rebounds, Erin Lillis '24 came up with two steals and Sarah Toay '23 blocked a shot.
 
After a slow start by both teams, Grinnell used a seven-point run to grab a 7-2 lead. Hall had consecutive baskets and Lillis a 3-pointer to provide the Pioneers with their points.
 
They led 12-10 after the initial period, but Waldorf (5-4) rallied to tie the contest at 25-all by halftime. Neither team led by more than four in the third period, which ended with Waldorf holding a 43-42 lead.
 
Grace Marsh '25 drained a 3-pointer to open the fourth period to give Grinnell a two-point lead. After a trey put the visitors up by one, Coalson gave Grinnell its final lead of 47-46 on a layup.
 
Waldorf followed with a 10-point run and never let the Pioneers closer than six points the rest of the way.
 
The Pioneers jump back into Midwest Conference play Tuesday with a game at Knox College. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.