DES MOINES, IOWA – In their final home game of the regular season, Grand View Women's Basketball delivered a redemption win on Senior Day, avenging an earlier loss from this season to Missouri Valley College. The hard-fought battle featured 14 ties and 12 lead changes, but in the end, the Vikings' ability to limit both turnovers and fouls proved to be the difference. With an existing three-point lead in the closing minutes of the game, Eva Solseth drilled a clutch three-pointer to seal the victory, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Grand View emerged victorious with a final score of 66-60.

Before tipoff, the program honored three Viking seniors—Katie Fogarty, Ella Larsen, and Cleao Murray—for their contributions during their time on the team at Grand View. Viking Athletics extends its gratitude to these athletes for their dedication and impact.

Grand View leaned on free throws from Anna Gossling and Ellie Rengstorf to counter an early Missouri Valley three-pointer. A low-scoring start saw both teams exchanging baskets, highlighted by a layup from Claire Galbraith, a three-pointer and layup from Murray, and a series of inside shots from Missouri Valley. A pivotal sequence came when Solseth blocked a three-point attempt and sprinted downcourt for a fast-break layup, and the Vikings were able to keep the score level at 15-15. Missouri Valley's aggressive play resulted in 19 shot attempts to Grand View's 12 in the opening quarter.

Murray opened the second quarter with a fast-break layup off a Solseth assist, followed by a basket from Larsen. Missouri Valley responded with perimeter shooting, knocking down two three-pointers and a jumper. The Vikings relied heavily on layups, with Larsen, Galbraith, and Rengstorf chipping in. Solseth added a three-pointer to cap off the first half, giving Grand View a narrow 31-30 lead. The Vikings attempted only six three-pointers in the half, a shift from their usual approach. Their biggest struggle was on the boards, getting outrebounded 24-13, including a 9-2 deficit in offensive rebounds. Murray and Solseth each tallied seven points, while Larsen led the team with seven rebounds. Missouri Valley heavily leaned on a single player, who accounted for 16 of their points.

The third quarter saw Grand View take advantage at the free-throw line, going a perfect 9-for-9 while Missouri Valley managed only two attempts. Live-ball scoring was limited, with the Vikings finding success through layups from Murray, Solseth, and Galbraith. Neither team shot well from the field, and Grand View did not attempt a single three-pointer in the period. Missouri Valley stayed close by capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, knocking down a three and a mid-range jumper to keep the Vikings' lead at just one, 46-45, heading into the final frame.

Drama unfolded early in the fourth when Solseth took a hard fall on a fast-break attempt, briefly exiting the game. Abigail Jones stepped up to sink her free throws in Solseth's place, and Reagan Mudderman immediately followed with a steal that led to a Galbraith layup. Missouri Valley responded with a three and free throws, keeping the back-and-forth battle alive. Gossling provided a spark with a crowd-pleasing reverse layup, followed by another tough finish inside. Back in the game but still absorbing contact, Solseth made a key defensive play by drawing a charge after a Grand View turnover. Larsen then came up with a crucial steal, leading to two free throws that helped the Vikings maintain their edge. As Missouri Valley fought back with layups, Larsen answered with a clutch three off a Gossling assist, keeping Grand View ahead by one. Murray added two more points from the line, but the defining moment came when Solseth, positioned in the corner with the shot clock winding down, received a pass from Larsen and buried a game-sealing three-pointer in dramatic fashion. The gym erupted as Grand View secured the 66-60 win.

GAME NOTES

• Ella Larsen led with 16 points, shooting 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, along with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
• Eva Solseth contributed 14 points, shooting 2-for-2 from three-point range, while adding 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
• Claire Galbraith posted 12 points and 5 rebounds.
• Cleao Murray also finished with 12 points and 2 rebounds.
• Grand View shot 37.7% (20-53) from the field, 36.4% (4-11) from three, and 81.5% (22-27) from the free-throw line.
• The Vikings forced 22 Missouri Valley turnovers while committing just 12, converting those into 17 points.
• Despite being outscored in second-chance points (21-4), Grand View held the edge in points in the paint (32-26) and fast-break points (12-2).

UP NEXT
The Vikings close out the regular season with two road games, with the first one on Wednesday, February 19, against William Penn University with tipoff is set for 5:30 PM.