APPLETON, Wis. – Cornell's volleyball team secured a berth in the Midwest Conference Tournament and concluded an unbeaten October with Saturday's resounding 25-13, 25-11, 25-8 sweep at Lawrence.
 
Ranked No. 23 nationally, the Rams (18-6, 6-0 MWC) rolled to a 9-0 record in the month, capturing 27 of the 31 sets played. Cornell stretched its Midwest Conference regular-season winning streak to 22 consecutive matches.
 
The Rams maintain sole possession of first place in the conference, followed by Illinois College (6-1) and Lake Forest (6-2). Cornell has victories over both teams.
 
With a win on Wednesday night at Grinnell, Cornell would clinch its 11th consecutive regular-season title. First serve is at 7 p.m.
 
Ilah Perez-Johnson hit a sizzling .714 for the match and eclipsed 1,000 career kills with her 15-kill performance. The senior outside hitter joined a short list of Rams to record 1,000 kills (1,014), 1,000 digs (1,020), and 150 aces (155) in a career. Hall of Famer Kathleen O'Connor (2010-13) and Kristin Paczosa (2006-09) are the only other Rams to achieve the feat.
 
Cornell posted a blistering .420 attack percentage, their best team effort in a match this season. Lawrence (5-21, 2-5 MWC) was held to a chilly -.061 hitting, their worst hitting percentage in 2023.
 
Carly Puffer collected 10 kills on .444 hitting and Kiana Manson added seven kills. Clare Green dished out 21 assists, while Green and Nia Howard compiled two aces. Ella Becker led the way in digs with 11.