ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Cornell's most successful season in program history came to a close in Wednesday's 13-3 semifinal setback to No. 1 seed Saint Benedict at the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Tournament at CSB Athletic Field.
 
A first-time tournament qualifier, the No. 4 seed Rams finished a memorable campaign at 10-8 overall. They broke the school record for victories and achieved the program's first winning season.
 
Cornell improved on its season wins total for the fourth consecutive season under head coach Meredith Meier, who's 2023 squad established a new program standard for fewest goals allowed per game (8.44).
 
Regular-season champion Saint Benedict (11-2) advanced to Saturday's championship to face No. 2 seed Lake Forest (8-9), a 10-7 semifinal winner over Northwestern.
 
Cornell couldn't overcome a slow start against the Bennies, falling behind 5-0 before Cheyenne Greenenwald put the Rams on the scoreboard with an unassisted goal with 12:45 left in the first half. Saint Benedict reeled off six unanswered goals to stretch the lead to 11-1 late in the third quarter.
 
The Rams struck twice in the final period, receiving goals from Anna Methe and Hailey Sieler.
 
Cornell held a 12-7 advantage in draw controls, with Meg Lewis winning five of them. Ilsa Jeffery tallied four ground balls and three caused turnovers, leading the Rams in both categories.
 
Hannah Miech went the distance at goalie, recording eight saves over 60 minutes.
 
The Bennies fired 30 total shots, 21 coming during their first-half surge. The Rams totaled 21 shots, six from Methe.