MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's defense played tough for the duration of Wednesday's 2-0 women's soccer loss to Midwest Conference title contender Grinnell on the Rams' home turf.
 
The Rams held their own against an aggressive Grinnell attack, surrendering one goal in each half. But that was enough for the Pioneers to improve to 8-3-3 overall and 4-0-1 in MWC play.
 
Cornell goalkeeper Sabrina Ibanez turned in a courageous 13-save effort that saw her battle through a second-half injury to finish the match. It was the 11th complete-game performance by the Ram sophomore.
 
With her seventh double-digit save outing of the fall, Ibanez climbed into second place on Cornell's single-season saves list with 130. She now trails only Shawna Becker (138 saves in 2006) with two regular-season matches remaining.
 
The Pioneers opened the scoring with a first-half strike in the 27th minute. They added an insurance tally at the 54-minute mark.
 
Junior Kylie Hard recorded one shot for the Rams, who moved to 1-8-3 overall, 1-5 in the MWC.
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play Illinois College (6-7-2 overall, 1-2-2 MWC) at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Jacksonville, Ill.