MOUNT VERNON – Freshman Daelynn Rhoades pitched the first complete game of the season for the Rams in a 3-1 Game 1 loss to the Simpson Storm Thursday at Van Metre Family Softball Field. The Rams mounted a seventh-inning rally in Game 2 before falling just short, 3-2. 

Rhoades (3-2) struck out four in an impressive first career start, walked two, and allowed nine hits. She stranded seven Storm runners on base.

The Rams compiled 10 hits from seven different batters in the opener, although left eight runners on base as they were held scoreless through six innings.

After falling behind in Game 2, down 3-0 in the bottom of the seventh, the Rams scored two runs to bring them within one.

A walk, a fielding error, and a single loaded the bases for the Rams with nobody out. Katie Nelson hit a sacrifice fly to left field to bring the Rams within two. A ground out by Izzy Gullixon scored a run that brought the Rams within 3-2 with two outs.

The Rams had a chance after an Erin Puck single and a Caitlin Babcock hit by pitch loaded the bases. Claire Gugerty popped up to the second basemen to end Cornell's comeback bid.

Alyssa Pearson (0-5) received the loss after pitching 6.1 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. She struck out three and walked five.

Puck finished the series with three hits in eight at-bats while teammate Zoie Harvey had two hits in five at-bats.

Coming up – The Rams play host to Luther College at 1 p.m. Saturday.