APPLETON, Wis. – Cornell's women's soccer team took an important step towards a postseason berth with Saturday's 2-0 victory over Lawrence inside the Banta Bowl.
 
The Rams (4-11-2 overall, 3-2-1 MWC) hold fourth place in the Midwest Conference race and control their postseason fate with MWC matches remaining against Monmouth (0-5-1 MWC) and Beloit (4-2 MWC).
 
The top four teams in the regular season qualify for the MWC Tournament.
 
Sophomore Elise Hermiston provided all the offense Cornell needed against the Vikings (7-8 overall, 3-3 MWC). After a scoreless first half, Hermiston found the back of the net in the 48th minute to put the Rams ahead 1-0.
 
Hermiston added a second goal with 27 seconds left in regulation to cap the road win. She now has three scores on the season.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Sabrina Ibanez recorded nine saves in the complete-game shutout. She faced 19 shots and nine corner kicks from the Vikings.
 
The Rams attempted eight shots, getting two apiece from Sam O'Brien and Hermiston.
 
Cornell's defense notched its third shutout in the last four outings.  
 
Coming up – The Rams play host to Monmouth at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.