MOUNT VERNON – Cornell hit a cold spell midway through Tuesday's Midwest Conference women's basketball opener, allowing Illinois College to pull away for a 72-51 win inside the Small Sport Center.
 
The Rams (3-3 overall, 0-1 MWC) played tough early against an Illinois College squad that was projected second in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Cornell led 15-14 after one quarter and held a 24-21 advantage with less than four minutes to go in the opening half.
 
The Lady Blues (2-4 overall, 1-0 MWC) sprinted ahead with a 14-0 spurt late in the first half and had the Rams playing catchup the rest of the game.  
 
Sophomore Ani'ja Simmons paced the Rams with 11 points and seven rebounds. Madison Wauters collected nine rebounds, five points, four blocked shots and three steals. Kali March chipped in eight points, while Ilah Perez-Johnson added six rebounds and five points off Cornell's bench.
 
The Rams were pressured into 32 turnovers which Illinois College converted into 31 points. The Lady Blues attempted 18 more field goals, connecting at a 40.3-percent clip.  
 
The Rams finished with eight blocked shots, giving them 13 in the past two games. Cornell stayed even with Illinois College on the boards, 40-40.
 
Lilly Pepper (16 points, 13 rebounds) and Ashlyn Wightman (16 points, 10 rebounds) posted double-doubles to lead the Lady Blues.
 
Cornell continues conference play Saturday with a 4 p.m. home matchup against Lake Forest.