ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Cornell hung tough for three quarters with Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference unbeaten Saint Benedict in Saturday's 10-5 road loss at CSB Athletics Field.

The Rams (8-7, 2-3 MWLC) came up short to the league-leading Bennies (8-1, 5-0 MWLC), who gradually pulled away with a 5-1 second-half surge. 

Goals by Cece Zanoni (2), Meg Lewis, and Hailey Sieler in the first half allowed the Rams to stay within striking distance of the Bennies, trailing 5-4 at intermission.

Defense was the staple for the Rams in the matchup as they secured 24 caused turnovers, the second most the Rams have posted this season. This is the third time this year the Rams have had 20 or more caused turnovers in a game. Alexis Partida and India Smith had four caused turnovers each as Sabrina Ibanez and Anna Methe totaled three apiece.

The Bennies had 34 total turnovers, which is the second most that the Rams have created this year. Hannah Miech finished with five saves while allowing 10 goals in 60 minutes of play.

Four different Bennie players had two goals in their win: Emma Osland, Sami Hackley, Ella Stienke, and Emma Schrepfer.

Coming up – The Rams host Wartburg College in a mid-week matchup Wednesday for a 7 p.m. start at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.