MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – After losing the first two sets by 12 points each, Grinnell College's volleyball team bounced back in a big way to challenge nationally-ranked Cornell College in the semifinals of the Midwest Conference Tournament Friday night.
 
But the 25^th-ranked Rams used a big comeback to finish the match in three sets and advance to Saturday's title match against Illinois College. Scores were 25-13, 25-13 and 25-23.
 
Grinnell (13-17) was led at the net by All-MWC performer Jenna Keller '24 and Millie Leonard '27, who each had seven kills. Another All-MWC performer, Emily Brewer '24, dished out 17 assists and was also in on three blocks.
 
Sophie Weber '25, who rounded out Grinnell's all-league honorees, had 15 digs and Brewer tallied 12.
 
After losing the first two sets by consecutive 25-13 scores, the Pioneers found new life. They broke away from a 5-all tie with a three-point run that included a block from Malaina Miles '24 and Brewer, as well as a kill by Brewer.
 
Grinnell continued to hold command, pushing its lead as big as six when a block by Kylie Snell '26 and Brewer made it 20-14. Though Cornell (21-7) made a bit of a dent in the gap, Grinnell was still in control as Hayley Taka '26 punched down a kill for a 25-23 lead.
 
However, the hosts rattled off five points in a row to secure the victory.
 
Weber finished the season with 610 digs and 5.75 digs per set, figures that rank second and third in program history, respectively. The team's 89.9 percent service percentage is also third.
 
Emmy Nyquist '24 wrapped up her career with 425 sets played and 121 matches played, which rank third and sixth in program history.