Benjamin’s double-double not enough in loss to Pioneers

APPLETON, Wis. — Kayla Morrissey’s double-double led the Grinnell College women’s basketball team to a 65-44 Midwest Conference victory over Lawrence University on Saturday at Alexander Gymnasium.

Lawrence freshman Shonell Benjamin posted her first career double-double with season highs of 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Vikings (2-4, 0-4 MWC).

The Pioneers got the advantage in the second quarter and then stretched the lead in the third period. Lawrence wasn’t able to mount a comeback in the second half.

The Vikings hung with Grinnell (5-3, 3-1) early as Lawrence finished the first quarter on an 8-2 run that tied the game at 10-10 after one. After Benjamin’s three-point play to start the second, Lawrence grabbed a 13-12 advantage.

Grinnell took control in the final five minutes of the second quarter as 3-pointers from Ariel Keller, Sophia Gatton and Daria Guzzo staked the Pioneers to a 30-21 lead at the half.

Grinnell steadily increased the advantage in the third quarter and led by as many as 19 points before settling for a 50-32 lead after three. The Pioneers would lead by as many as 24 points in the final quarter.

Foul trouble plagued Lawrence lone player with size, Leah Reeves. She managed eight points on 4-of-5 shooting to go with four rebounds in just 14 minutes before fouling out. The Vikings also were ice cold from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-of-16 from long range.

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