GRINNELL, Iowa - Ripon squandered a five-point fourth quarter lead Saturday afternoon, losing to Grinnell 65-63, as the Pioneers made a layup at the buzzer to win the game. The game was close throughout, featuring five ties and 12 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than six points.

Grinnell (12-8, 9-4 MWC) took the early lead, scoring the game's first six points for the largest lead of the day. Ripon (10-8, 6-7 MWC) then battled back to take their first lead with one minute left in the first quarter when an Eleanore Mueller layup capped a 10-3 run by the Red Hawks. Ripon continued to lead into the second quarter before Grinnell went back in front mid-way through the period. Ripon was able to cut that lead to 36-35 at the half.

The Red Hawks tied the game just five seconds into the third quarter on a free throw by Megan Jensen, and took the lead on their next possession on a jumper by Jonalee Elliott. The score then changed hands several times before Mueller converted a layup in the final seconds of the quarter to give Ripon a one-point advantage heading to the fourth period. The Red Hawks scored six of the first eight points of the final quarter to take a five-point lead with seven minutes remaining, but that lead quickly disappeared thanks to three consecutive layups by Grinnell's Kayla Morrissey. With the Pioneers leading by three and 11 seconds remaining, Dallas Chladek connected on a 3-pointer for the Red Hawks. That gave Grinnell one final chance to win, which they took full advantage of, as Alissa Hirsch played the role of hero, scoring the game-winning basket as time expired.

Ripon was led by Maggie Oimoen's 15 points and 10 rebounds of the bench, marking her second career double-double. Nicole Herkert added 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jensen also scored 12 points, to go along with three rebounds and three steals.

Grinnell turned the ball over just 11 times. They were led by Alex Neckopulos' double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Hirsch led all scorers with 20 points, to go along with five assists and three steals, while Morrissey and Sophia Gatton scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. The Pioneers converted 41 percent (26-64) of their shots, while Ripon made 51 percent (28-55).

The Red Hawks will be in action again on Wednesday when they'll host Carroll University. That game will begin at 7 p.m. in Ripon and will also serve as Ripon's annual 'Play For The Cure' game.