MOUNT VERNON - The Cornell women's lacrosse team lost its conference opener to MWLC opponent Northwestern, 16-5, Saturday at Van Metre Field at Ash Park after transportation issues delayed the start time nearly one hour.
 
The Rams dropped to 6-5 on the year and 0-1 in conference play after falling at home to the Eagles (5-3, 1-0 MWLC).
 
Being held without a shot in the first quarter put the Rams in a 5-0 hole at the start. A strong outing in the first quarter by freshman goalie Hannah Miech prevented any more scoring by the Eagles as she accumulated four saves on their twelve shots.
 
The Eagles had seven of their free-position shots, four in the first quarter, all turn up empty after spectacular defensive performances by Miech and the rest of the Rams' defense. Miech played a complete game compiling a career-high 15 saves while allowing 16 goals.
 
Miech's 15 saves were a season-high and the first time in her career that she has had a 10-plus save game. Miech also had compiled six ground balls in her effort. The Rams collected 32 total groundballs which was the most this season.
 
The game was high-intensity as both teams turned the ball over a lot. The Rams' defense caused the Eagles to commit 28 turnovers, while the Rams accounted for 34 of their own.
 
India Smith had three of the Rams' five goals, along with five ground balls and three caused turnovers. This is Smith's second multi-goal game of the year. Sabrina Ibanez was very strong in the draw control circle accumulating six draw controls along with three ground balls and two caused turnovers.
 
Brynn Miroslavich and Cece Zanoni each scored a goal for the Rams.
 
Samantha Wiebold for the Eagles finished with five goals, three ground balls and five draw controls.
 
Coming up – The Rams host Augsburg at Van Metre Field at Ash Park on Friday, April 7 at 5:00 pm.