MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – It was a case of too little, too late for the Grinnell College women's basketball team Saturday at Cornell College.
 
The Pioneers scratched and clawed their way back into contention after falling behind 20-5 early in the second period before falling 63-42 in Grinnell's season finale.
 
Grinnell finishes at 7-9 in the Midwest Conference and 10-14 in all games, while Cornell advances to the league tourney at 9-7 in the MWC and 15-9 in all games.
 
Grinnell cut the gap to 25-18 by halftime and after falling behind 29-20 early in the third quarter, posted an amazing rally begun by a jumper and free throw from Juniper Schwartzman '27.
 
After a basket by Cornell, Skylar Thomas '26 drained consecutive 3-pointers to bring Grinnell within 31-29 with 6:12 left in the third frame. The Pioneers made it a two-point game again a bit later when Thomas' 3-pointer brought the visitors within 34-32.
 
However, Cornell closed out the period with an 8-2 run to lead 42-34 heading into the final stanza. The Rams opened the fourth quarter with seven consecutive points on their way to the victory.
 
Amelia Rigel '28 tied her career-high with 13 points for Grinnell, while Schwartzman had 10 boards and matched a career-high for steals with three. Nora Lynch '28 recorded three assists.
 
Thomas finished her career as Grinnell's all-time leader in games played with 98, while Kelsey Ericksen '26 finished 14^th for 3-pointers with 72. Bailey Strovers '27 moved up to 15^th on the career rebounds chart with 436.