MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's lacrosse team showed fight against 2023 NCAA qualifier Aurora Thursday night, playing even with the visiting Spartans for the entire second half in a 16-5 loss at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
 
Trailing 13-0 into the third period, the Rams (2-3) outscored Aurora 5-3 over the final 23 minutes of regulation, highlighted by a string of four unanswered goals to start the fourth quarter.
 
Luke Baldwin and Caden Lynch netted two goals apiece to pace the Rams, who held a 42-30 advantage in ground balls. The Spartans (2-3), a 15-win team a year ago, capitalized on 32 Cornell turnovers to take the road win.
 
Brandon Warnke tallied one goal and one assist, while Charley Kobets also contributed an assist for Cornell. Ash Hoelscher went 11-of-19 in faceoffs. Tori Greiskalns posted team-highs of eight ground balls and four caused turnovers.
 
Cornell goalie Thomas Cook earned eight saves over the first three quarters. Nathan Diveley saved two shots and allowed one goal in the final period.
 
Coming up – The Rams are home Sunday to face Anderson (Ind.) at 1 p.m.