MOUNT VERNON – Gwen Westervelt's second-half goal was all Cornell needed on Senior Day, propelling the Rams to a 1-0 Midwest Conference women's soccer win over Ripon.
 
Westervelt booted her seventh goal of the season off an assist from Krystin Kamrath in the 76th minute, which proved to be the difference in this defensive battle.
 
The Rams (2-10 overall, 1-3 MWC) returned from an 11-day layoff from competition to earn their first MWC points under first-year coach Sarah Campbell.
 
Cornell's defense held tough throughout and turned back six second-half shot attempts from the Red Hawks (3-9-3 overall, 0-4-1 MWC). Goalkeeper Sabrina Ibanez went the distance for Cornell's second shutout of the fall. She registered four saves.
 
Westervelt and senior Elissafe Moreno had two shots apiece to lead Cornell's attack. Ripon finished with 10 total attempts.    
 
Coming up – The Rams take on in-state rival Grinnell at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Grinnell.