GRINNELL – Cornell's women's soccer team benefited from an own goal early in the first half and the defense made it stand as the Rams notched a pivotal 1-0 victory over Grinnell Wednesday at Springer Field.

The Rams (11-4-2 overall, 5-0-2 MWC) took a giant step toward clinching an MWC Tournament berth, climbing to second in the standings with 17 points and two matches remaining. Cornell extended an impressive unbeaten streak to 11 matches, going 9-0-2 over the 11-game stretch.

Knox stands atop the MWC standings with 19 points (6-0-1 MWC). Knox travels to play the Rams in the Nov. 2 regular season finale.

The own goal was scored by Grinnell at the 18:57 mark of the first half. Sofia Schnur (SR/Redwood City, Calif.) crossed a ball into the box and the ball deflected off of a Pioneer defender's shin into the goal.

The Rams defense held strong and Elise Thomason-Larsen (SO/Superior, Colo.) made the saves. She faced 16 shots in the game, 13 in the second half. She made seven saves, six in the second half to keep the shutout over Grinnell (6-6-3 overall, 3-2-2 MWC). The shutout was the ninth shutout of the season for Cornell.

The Rams were outshot in the contest 16-5. Sam O'Brien (SO/Evergreen, Colo.) attempted three shots and Ashley Quesada (SR/Blaine, Wash.) attempted the other two.

Coming up – The Rams travel to play St. Norbert College (6-8-1 overall, 2-3-1 MWC) in De Pere, Wisconsin on Sunday at 1 p.m.