JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Cornell's pitching staff did not allow an earned run Sunday, although had nothing to show for it in 4-1, 1-0 softball losses to Midwest Conference South Division leader Illinois College at Jessica Kamp Field.

The Rams (9-5 overall) moved to 4-4 at the halfway point of the South Division schedule. They'll be among four teams chasing Illinois College (19-11, 9-1 MWC) over the final two weeks.

Cornell senior left-hander Darice Wheeler (SR/Evanston, Ill.) (3-2) was dealt a tough-luck loss in the eight-inning second game. She went the distance in the pitching circle, yielding six hits and striking out six while issuing just one walk.

The Lady Blues capitalized on a Cornell error to lead off the eighth. Illinois College executed a sacrifice bunt and plated the game's only run with a one-out single to left.

Cornell's lineup was limited to four singles. The Rams' best scoring opportunity came in the third with the bases loaded and only one out.

After a one-out single by Zoie Harvey (SO/Urbandale, Iowa) in the fourth, Cornell's final 14 batters were retired in order against Alissa Hodge and Olivia Shimmin.

In Game 1, the Rams received a quality seven-inning start from sophomore pitcher Alyssa Pearson (SO/McHenry, Ill.) (6-3), who gave up eight hits and one walk. Pearson's runs all came the unearned variety, one in the first and three more in the fourth that unlocked a 1-1 tie.

Cornell collected eight hits, including two each from Wheeler, Pearson and Erin Puck (SO/Davenport, Iowa). Wheeler singled home Puck for Cornell's lone run in the third.

Wheeler has now reached base safely in all 14 games for the Rams this season. Puck has reached in eight consecutive contests.

Coming up – The Rams return to action Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Monmouth (4-16, 3-7 MWC).