Late run sends Pioneer women's basketball team to victory

Jessica Shotts '10 (left), who tied a school 3-point shooting record in the team's previous game, again led the Pioneers with a game-high 18 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals. She had two key 3-pointers down the stretch to spark the rally. Mallory Scharf '11 (right) added 13 points and five rebounds, while Ashley Jeannin '12 dished out three assists and Jessica Vaverka '11 came up with three steals. Kristen Fox led Augustana with 14 points. The Pioneers, who improved to 2-8, trailed 9-4 early on before going on an 11-point run for a 15-9 edge. Jodi Watkins '09 started things with a pair of 3-pointers for a one-point lead. Megan Huey '12 followed with a basket and Shotts a traditional three-point play to complete the run. Augustana rallied for a 16-15 lead before the Pioneers again came back, going up by six late in the half on two free throws by Scharf before settling for a 28-24 halftime lead. The hosts, who are 2-9, chipped away at the lead in the second half and seemed to be in control when they led by seven twice late in the contest, including 52-45 with 2:57 to go. But the Pioneers refused to give in, as Vaverka hit two free throws and Shotts two 3-pointers to put Grinnell ahead 53-52 with :45 left. Watkins and Brianna Gallo '11 secured the win with a pair of free throws each to account for the final margin. Grinnell now has a week off before playing at Illinois College on Jan. 10. Game time is 1 p.m. in Jacksonville, Ill.