ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Cornell's volleyball team was close yet again in another match with a top-flight opponent, dropping a four-setter by scores of 21-25, 26-24, 25-21 and 25-22 to ninth-ranked and host Wash U. at Saturday's Bear Invitational.
 
The Rams (4-10 overall) finished 0-3 during the rigorous two-day tournament that included Friday matches against No. 15 Gustavus Adolphus (L, 3-0) and No. 7 La Verne (L, 3-1). Cornell has played seven Top 25 foes already this fall.
 
Statistically, the Rams were virtually even with Wash U (12-2) during the 1-hour, 50-minute contest. Cornell had five players record at least seven kills, led by Ilah Perez-Johnson with a match-high 16. Perez-Johnson also had 13 digs for her ninth double-double of the season.
 
After winning the first set, Cornell led 24-22 in Set 2 when Wash U reeled off the final four points. The Rams were within 22-21 in Set 3 and tied 22-22 in Set 4.  
 
Carly Puffer stepped up with 11 kills and six blocks. Mia Tubbs and Ella McLaughlin contributed nine and eight kills, respectively. Ally Olmstead had seven kills.
 
Sophomore Nia Howard paced a strong service game with five aces to go along with 14 digs. Ella Becker led all players with 19 digs.
 
Clare Green totaled 40 assists and 10 digs. It was her seventh double-double of 2024.
 
Coming up – The Rams play host to Loras (8-6) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.