Grinnell Women Dominate Nebraska Wesleyan in Home Opener

GRINNELL, Iowa — The Grinnell College women’s basketball team put on an impressive performance Wednesday, defeating Nebraska Wesleyan 73-49 at Darby Gym. The Pioneers, now 4-1 on the season, controlled the game from start to finish, never relinquishing their lead.

Strong Start Sets the Tone

Grinnell surged to a 20-10 lead in the first quarter, powered by Nikki Ware and Sara Booher. Ware contributed five points early, while Booher capitalized in the paint with four. The team’s aggressive defense stifled Nebraska Wesleyan’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting their fast-break opportunities.

Balanced Scoring Across the Board

The Pioneers showcased their depth, with four players scoring in double digits. Booher led all scorers with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, complemented by her dominance inside. Ware added 13 points, while Adriana Perez chipped in with 11, including a clutch three-pointer in the third quarter that extended the lead to 25.

Cassidy Pak also stood out, contributing seven points, all from free throws, where she was a perfect 7-of-8. Bailey Strovers added eight points and grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds, helping Grinnell win the rebounding battle 38-28.

Nebraska Wesleyan Struggles

For Nebraska Wesleyan, Mackenzie Griffin was a bright spot, tallying 17 points and leading her team in scoring efficiency. However, the Prairie Wolves struggled overall, shooting just 36% from the field and committing 20 turnovers.

Dominance in the Paint and Beyond

Grinnell’s edge was evident in the paint, where they outscored the Prairie Wolves 32-26. Second-chance points were also a factor, as the Pioneers turned offensive rebounds into 14 points compared to just two for Nebraska Wesleyan.