GRINNELL, Iowa - Ripon's women's basketball team never trailed Saturday afternoon, en route to a 65-31 victory at Grinnell College. The Red Hawks held Grinnell to just 18 percent (9-49) shooting in the game, including 7 percent (1-14) from 3-point range, while allowing their fewest points in a game (31) in five years.
 
The two teams traded baskets in the opening minute of the first quarter, which was followed by a 10-0 Ripon run to take command of the game. Grinnell (8-7, 6-4 MWC) would cut the lead to six towards the end of the opening period, but Ripon (9-6, 7-3 MWC) outscored the Pioneers 14-5 in the second quarter, capped by a Megan Jensen jumper just before halftime to give Ripon a 17-point lead at intermission.
 
Ripon led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter, before outscoring Grinnell 18-2 in the final period. From the final minutes of the third quarter to the final minutes of the fourth, Ripon scored 19 consecutive points.
 
The Red Hawks shot 45 percent (26-58) in the game, including 52 percent (12-23) in the second half. Maggie Oimoen led the way with 14 points and eight rebounds (four offensive), while Emma McDonald recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots. Jensen and Nicole Herkert each scored eight points.
 
Grinnell was led by Kayla Morrissey's 12 points, while Lydia Stariha scored five. Grinnell turned the ball over 19 times, compared with 13 for the Red Hawks. Ripon also out-rebounded Grinnell 46-33, while outscoring them in the paint by a 42-10 margin.
 
The win keeps Ripon in third place in the MWC standings. They will try to gain even more momentum Wednesday when they'll host Beloit College at 5:30 p.m. at Storzer Center in Ripon.