CEDAR RAPIDS – Cornell's volleyball strength of schedule ranks the third-toughest among all Division III teams.
 
The 21st-ranked Rams were in for another tough assignment Wednesday night inside Kohawk Arena, where they fell 25-18, 27-25, 25-22 to American Rivers Conference preseason favorite Coe.  
 
Cornell, which has yet to play a home match this season, moved to 4-4 overall. Five of the Rams' contests have come against teams ranked in the Top 25 or receiving national votes (Coe).
 
The Kohawks (4-3) prevailed in the annual Bremner Cup matchup for only the second time in the last seven meetings. This win was keyed by a late comeback in Set 2, which saw the Rams surrender a 23-20 lead.  
 
Cornell's Ilah Perez-Johnson blasted seven of her match-high 17 kills in the second set and posted a .250 attack percentage on the night. The fifth-year hitter also recorded 13 digs, second-most on the team.
 
Clare Green distributed 33 assists. Ella Becker had 15 digs and went 12-of-12 from the service line. The Rams received eight kills from Carly Puffer, seven from Ally Olmstead.
 
The Kohawks totaled only two more kills than Cornell, 43-41, although outhit the Rams .297 to .190.
 
Coming up – The Rams host the Cornell Classic Friday and Saturday in the Small Athletic and Wellness Center. Cornell opens play at 7 p.m. Friday against North Central. Friday's action begins with North Central vs. Simpson at 5 p.m.