GRINNELL, Iowa -- The Lawrence University women's basketball team rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit, but Grinnell College hung on for a 67-59 Midwest Conference win Friday night at Darby Gym.
Jessica Shotts scored 19 points to pace Grinnell (4-10, 2-5 MWC). Laura Aerts led Lawrence (2-11, 0-7) with 16 points. Annie Kaiser added 14 points and Kanesha Walker had 13.
Grinnell pulled away over the final five minutes of the first half to build a 36-21 lead at the break. The Pioneers led 46-29 after Jessica Vaverka's layup with 15:14 left in the game.
Lawrence responded by going on a 23-6 run to tie the game at 52-52 with 5:35 left. Aerts had nine points during that stretch and Kaiser added five.
Grinnell came right back and scored the game's next six points to take a 58-52 lead. Lawrence battled back and scored four consecutive points and cut the lead to 60-57 on Aerts' layup with 1:26 remaining.
Shotts countered with a 3-pointer for the Pioneers, and Grinnell hit four consecutive free throws in the final 52 seconds to seal the victory.
Lawrence returns to action on Saturday when it plays at Monmouth College.