DUBUQUE – The No. 14 nationally-ranked Rams hit a bump in the road Wednesday night, dropping a 25-20, 25-23, 26-24 nonconference volleyball match to Loras inside Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The Rams (8-2) were handed their first loss to an unranked opponent since Sept. 16, 2022 (Bethel), stopping an impressive 21-match winning streak against such foes.
 
Cornell came up a few plays short from reversing its fortunes against the Duhawks (7-6) in a tight match that witnessed 30 ties and 13 lead changes.
 
Setter Clare Green had a solid night for the Rams with 28 assists and 11 digs while going 12-of-12 from the service line. Ella Becker posted a match-high 24 digs.
 
The Rams served eight aces, four by Ilah Perez-Johnson who also collected 15 digs and seven kills. Nia Howard had three ace serves.
 
Grace Marti and Ella McLaughlin shared team-high honors with eight kills apiece. Carly Puffer added seven kills.
 
The Duhawks hit .164 and held a 42-32 advantage in total kills.  
     
Coming up – The Rams are back in action Friday at the Wartburg Invitational in Waverly. Cornell plays Carthage (6-6) at 4 p.m. and UW-River Falls (8-4) at 6 p.m.