MOUNT VERNON – The Rams couldn't quite get on track Friday night in a 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 loss to Gustavus Adolphus in the opening volleyball match of the Cornell Classic at Mount Vernon High School Gym.
 
In a matchup of teams receiving votes in the national poll, Cornell (4-2) held early momentum and a 20-16 Set 1 lead against the Golden Gusties (4-1). Gustavus went on to score seven unanswered points, claimed the opening set and never trailed the rest of the night.
 
Senior libero Sydney Meeker posted a match-high 18 digs for the Rams. The all-American topped 1,700 digs for her career, becoming the third Cornell player to reach that mark.
 
Gustavus was tough at the net with eight total blocks and held the Rams to .047 hitting for the match. The Golden Gusties hit at a .211-percent clip.
 
The Rams received seven kills apiece from Ilah Perez-Johnson and Alissa McEndaffer, followed by six from Grace Marti who had a strong .417 hitting night.  
 
Clare Green distributed 24 assists. Perez-Johnson served three of Cornell's four aces. McEndaffer added 10 digs.
 
Gustavus' Kate Holtan led all players with 16 kills.
 
Saturday's Cornell Classic action moves to Coe's Kohawk Arena with six total matches. The Rams face UW-River Falls at 10 a.m. and Wheaton at 2 p.m.