MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's volleyball team enjoyed its best hitting performance of the season Friday night. The impressive part… it happened against one of the nation's top blocking teams and 15th-ranked Gustavus Adolphus.
 
The No. 17 nationally-ranked Rams claimed the Top 20 matchup going away, handling the visiting Gusties in straight sets by scores of 28-26, 25-21, 25-17 inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The Rams (8-1) notched their second win over a Top 15 opponent in seven days and improved to 27-2 on their home court since 2021.
 
Cornell showed its offensive firepower with a .287 attack percentage, slamming 51 kills on 129 swings. The Gusties (8-2) went into the match ranked No. 7 nationally in total blocks and managed only four.  
 
Cornell senior Ilah Perez-Johnson recorded her 1,000th career point, becoming the 12th Ram to reach the milestone. The dynamic outside hitter tallied a match-high 15 kills and also had eight digs.
 
Fifth-year Grace Marti also had an exceptional night with 14 kills, including eight in a see-saw opening set that she ended with consecutive spikes. Marti hit a sizzling .407 for the match.
 
Ella McLaughlin contributed 10 kills and Helaina Hillyard added six. Setter Clare Green netted another double-double with 38 assists and 11 digs. Sophomore Ella Becker led all players with 19 digs.
 
After pulling out a competitive Set 1 win, the Rams raced to a 6-1 lead in the second behind four consecutive service points by Perez-Johnson. Perez-Johnson delivered a pair of kills down the stretch after the Gusties drew within 21-20.
 
Cornell pulled away with a 10-3 spurt in the middle of the third set and never let the Gusties back in it. The Rams went Marti kill, Perez-Johnson kill and Marti kill to finish off the convincing sweep.      
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play Loras (3-5) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Dubuque.