MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's women gave defending Midwest Lacrosse Conference regular-season champion Saint Benedict all it could handle Saturday, dropping a physical 9-6 battle on Senior Day at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
 
The visiting Bennies (6-3 overall, 3-0 MLC) outscored Cornell, 8-3, over the final three quarters to claim the hard-fought victory. The Rams (12-3 overall) moved to 2-2 in the MLC, although remain in solid position for a berth in the conference tournament with one game to go.
 
Cornell was the aggressor in the early going, taking a 3-1 lead after one quarter. Senior India Smith scored twice in the opening period and finished with three goals in the game, boosting her school-record season total to 59.
 
Saint Benedict held the Rams scoreless in the second period and led 4-3 at intermission. Sabrina Ibanez pulled the Rams even at 4-4 with a free position goal at the 9:16 mark of the third quarter.
 
The outcome remained in the balance when Brynn Miroslavich's assisted goal from Smith brought the Rams within 7-6 with 13:00 left in regulation. The Bennies converted a free position shot one minute later and tacked on a final goal with 48 seconds left.
 
The Bennies made good on 3-of-4 free position shots, while the Rams went 2-of-11. Cornell held a 22-18 advantage in ground balls, led by Meg Lewis with four.
 
Smith accounted for four of Cornell's 17 caused turnovers. Claire Chekytis provided one goal. Hannah Miech collected eight saves over 60 minutes.
 
Cornell seniors Smith, Anna Methe, Alexis Partida and Cheyenne Greenenwald were honored before their final home contest. The class has contributed to 22 victories over the past two seasons, including a program-best 12 this spring.
 
Coming up – The Rams conclude the regular season next Saturday, April 27, with a 1 p.m. match against Augsburg (2-12 overall, 0-4 MLC) in Minneapolis, Minn.