MOUNT VERNON – The Rams were all smiles Saturday in keeping their spotless Midwest Conference record intact with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-20 volleyball sweep over Illinois College on Parents' Day inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Cornell whistled eight ace serves, hit an impressive .364 and moved to 15-0 in sets played against MWC foes. The Rams (14-6 overall, 5-0 MWC) kept pace with Grinnell (6-0 MWC) atop the league standings with three matches to go, which includes an Oct. 26 date between the two leaders.  
 
Senior Rory Light climbed another rung on Cornell's career blocks list, passing Laura Dudgeon (2006-09) for No. 3 all-time with 325. Light, the NCAA Division III leader in blocks per set, added three more stuffs against the Lady Blues (8-15 overall, 3-2 MWC).
 
Light also stood out on the offensive side, powering 13 kills on .571 hitting. Ilah Perez-Johnson slammed 13 kills to go with eight digs and three blocks. Freshman Ella McLaughlin notched nine kills, while Grace Marti put down five spikes on .444 hitting.
 
The Rams nearly doubled up the Lady Blues in total kills, 46-27, with help from 40 assists by Clare Green. Olivia Richards planted three aces to lead the service game. Caitlin Babcock and Lauren Johnsen added two aces apiece. Ella Becker had a team-best nine digs.
 
Cornell never trailed during the opening two sets. Illinois College's only lead, 2-1 in Set 3, was quickly erased by a 6-1 spurt from the Rams.
  
Coming up – Cornell plays host to American Rivers Conference foe Central (6-11) at 7:30 p.m. Monday.