MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's volleyball team maintained its firm grip on the Midwest Conference and celebrated another championship Wednesday night inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The Rams knocked off in-state rival Grinnell from the ranks of MWC unbeatens and clinched the program's 12th consecutive regular-season title with a 25-13, 25-19, 23-25, 25-17 victory.
 
This is Cornell's 15th conference championship in volleyball, and 13th under head coach Jeff Meeker.  
 
The Rams (16-11 overall, 7-0 MWC) were rewarded with the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the MWC Tournament Nov. 15-16. The four-team field includes Grinnell (19-9 overall, 6-1 MWC), Monmouth (6-1 MWC) and Illinois College (4-3 MWC).  
 
The Rams extended an incredible MWC regular-season home winning streak to 54 matches since rejoining the league in 2012. They've won 31 MWC matches in row in regular-season play.
 
Wednesday's showdown for first place went all in favor of the Rams in the first two sets. Carly Puffer served seven straight points during Cornell's 8-0 spurt to start the night. Ilah Perez-Johnson pounded five of her match-high 17 kills in the Set 1 rout.
 
The Rams pulled away late in Set 2, but the Pioneers responded to take Set 3. Cornell led 16-14 in the fourth and then powered through down the stretch. Setter Clare Green delivered back-to-back blocks and Nia Howard served the championship point.
 
Cornell fired 10 ace serves in the match, six by Perez-Johnson who also had 13 digs. Ally Olmstead continued her impressive rookie season with 11 kills on .417 hitting and six blocks.
 
Green dished 41 assists and joined Puffer with two aces. Ella Becker led all players with 25 digs, followed by Kensie Staats with 13.
 
Grinnell, which had only lost one MWC set this season, was paced by Jenna Keller's 13 kills.  
 
Coming up – The Rams look to complete their fourth consecutive undefeated MWC regular season at home Saturday against Knox. First serve is 1 p.m.