JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – In a matchup between Midwest Conference contenders, Cornell led for the final 35 minutes of regulation and secured a 68-56 women's basketball victory over Illinois College Tuesday night inside Sherman Gymnasium.
 
It was an impressive start to the conference season for Cornell (2-4 overall, 1-0 MWC), picked second in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Rams had four players score in double figures and snapped a four-game series slide against Illinois College (1-4 overall, 0-1 MWC), projected third in the league.
 
Madison Wauters led the balanced attack with 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Rams, who held a decisive 41-31 advantage on the boards.
 
The Rams also received strong production from their veteran guard court, highlighted by Kali March's 14 points, eight assists, five steals and three blocked shots. Madison Osborn netted 10 points and Megan Gandrup scored nine with three 3-point goals.
 
Rachael Adewusi provided a boost off the bench with 11 points and seven rebounds. Ani'ja Simmons had a game-high nine rebounds.
 
Cornell was in control most of the way after building a 22-10 lead early in the second quarter. The Rams increased the margin to 15 points with a 7-0 run in the final period.
 
The Rams pressured the Lady Blues into 25 turnovers, converting them into 29 points.
 
Coming up – Cornell travels to play Lake Forest at 1 p.m. Saturday in Lake Forest, Ill.