MOUNT VERNON - Cornell's men's lacrosse team battled Northwestern to the end in Saturday's 10-6 MLC-opening setback on Senior Day at Van Metre Field at Ash Park. 
 
Seven seniors in Ryan Devine, Lincoln Warner, Sam Gbur, Josh Peiffer, Elliot Smith, Ethan Kupka, and Warren Wiberg were recognized before the start of the game. Each player was in the starting lineup for the Rams.
 
The Rams (3-9, 0-1 MLC) took an early lead over the Eagles (2-5, 1-0 MLC) behind goals by Luke Baldwin and Jack Barton to take a 2-0 lead heading into the second quarter. Baldwin and Barton finished with two goals each.
 
Fifth-year Kyle Jussila added two goals for the Rams to move his total goals this season to 26 in just 12 games played. He leads the team and conference in goals and his one assist brings his total to 16, which leads the team and comes second in the conference.
 
Rams' goalie, Thomas Cook had 18 saves to increase his total to 197 on the year. Cook is ranked 11^th in the nation in saves per game (16.45). He has continually showcased his skills by having 10 or more saves in 11 out of his 12 games.
 
After falling 5-2 at halftime, the Rams were able to bring it within two in the fourth after back-to-back unassisted goals from Baldwin (10:32) and Jussila (9:45).
 
The Rams down 7-5 with less than ten minutes left were unable to complete the comeback after they were outscored 3-1 for the rest of the way with the only goal coming from Barton (3:00).
 
Connor Proshek and Thomas Alderson each had three goals for the Eagles.
 
Coming up – The Rams take on Northland College at noon Saturday, April 8, in Ashland, Wis.