GRINNELL, Iowa – A big third quarter by Buena Vista University hurt the Grinnell College women's basketball team as the host Pioneers lost their season opener 57-47 Tuesday night at Darby Gymnasium.
 
The teams were tied at 18-all following one period and the Beavers held a 28-27 halftime lead before going on a 17-8 run in the third period.
 
Defending Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year Erin Lillis '24 had the hot hand for Grinnell, scoring 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting including a 2-of-3 performance from 3-poing land. Sara Booher '25 was next in line with six points.
 
Booher grabbed seven rebounds, P.K. Hall '25 had six and Grace Marsh '25 grabbed five. Booher and Marsh added two assists each, Aiyana Rockwell '24 blocked two shots and Marsh, Lillis and Sarah Toay '23 each had two steals.
 
Grinnell went toe-to-toe with the visitors in the first half and built a 29-28 edge in the third period on a layup by Marsh. However, Buena Vista pulled away and was up 45-35 entering the final frame.
 
The Beavers were up by 12 midway through the final frame when Grinnell made things interesting, as consecutive layups by Rockwell and one from Lillis cut the gap to 52-46 with 3:53 remaining. However, Buena Vista held Grinnell to just one point after that in securing the win.
 
The Pioneers are on the road Saturday to play Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb.