MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's volleyball team christened its new gym floor with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 nonconference sweep over Loras Wednesday night inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Playing the first true home match of the season, the Rams didn't disappoint and rolled to their fifth consecutive 3-0 sweep, moving the team to 9-4 overall.
 
Cornell middle blockers Rory Light and Grace Marti both recorded 10 kills and hit over .300 to lead a balanced attack. Light eclipsed 800 kills for her career. Marti hit an efficient .350 on 20 swings.
 
Sophomore setter Clare Green also reached a career milestone, topping 1,500 assists as a Ram. She handed out 33 assists against the Duhawks (4-11) and completed a double-double with 11 digs.
 
The Rams received nine kills apiece from Ilah Perez-Johnson and freshman Ella McLaughlin, the reigning MWC Offensive Performer of the Week. McLaughlin's spike ended the night on Cornell's sixth match-point chance in the third set.  
 
Freshman Ella Becker led the Rams' back row with 14 digs. Olivia Richards had 10 digs and served two aces.
 
Cornell registered 10 team blocks and held Loras to .109 hitting for the match. Light finished with four blocks, followed by Marti and McLaughlin with three apiece.
 
Coming up – The Rams battle two nationally-ranked opponents Saturday at the Cornell Quadrangular. They face No. 21 Illinois Wesleyan (10-3) at 10 a.m., followed by a 4 p.m. match against defending national champion and No. 11 UW-Eau Claire (11-3).
 
In other action here Saturday, Coe plays UW-Eau Claire at noon and Illinois Wesleyan at 2 p.m.