MOUNT VERNON – Cornell was limited to two hits in Game 1 and gave away nine unearned runs in the nightcap, falling 6-0 and 12-2 to national votes-getter Luther on a blustery Saturday at Van Metre Family Softball Field.
 
Senior center fielder Erin Puck accounted for three of Cornell's five hits in the doubleheader, raising her season batting average to .438. She went 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot in Game 1, which saw the Rams (4-10 overall) stay within striking distance down 2-0 through four innings.
 
Left-hander Alyssa Pearson pitched her first complete game of the spring, yielding nine hits and five earned runs. The Norse (19-3) broke it open with four runs over the final three innings.
 
Luther ace Kendra Cooper (10-2) went the distance in the circle, striking out 11 and walking two.
 
The Rams were in a battle in Game 2 before Luther pulled away with a decisive nine-run fifth inning, seven of the runs which were unearned.
 
Cornell freshman pitcher Daelynn Rhoades (3-3) was tough early, holding Luther's lineup to one hit through four innings as the Rams hung within 3-2. Rhoades allowed three earned runs and struck out three over 4.2 innings.
 
Puck, Miranda Keith and Monet Roelle had one hit apiece to lead the Rams, who committed two costly errors in the field. Keith and Rhoades both collected one RBI.
 
Coming up – The Rams wrap up a challenging 10-game homestand Sunday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader against UW-Platteville (12-5).