EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Cornell's volleyball team left UW-Eau Claire's Blugold Weekend Invitational with a 1-2 record, although certainly with much to build from as it heads into a promising stretch run.
Facing three 2024 NCAA Tournament qualifiers – let alone a pair of Top 10 nationally-ranked squads – the Rams opened play Friday with a 25-21, 14-25, 15-25, 25-12, 15-11 comeback over UW-Stevens Point that extended the team's winning streak to eight matches.
On Saturday morning, Cornell (12-9) was in an all-out battle with No. 6 Illinois Wesleyan (17-2) before falling in five sets by scores of 25-13, 22-25, 24-26, 25-22 and 15-13. The 2 hour, 12 minute match witnessed 31 ties.
The Rams concluded the trip with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-23 loss to No. 7 UW-Eau Claire (22-2).
Senior libero
Ella Becker reached another career milestone, passing Amber Hein (2004-07) for No. 3 on Cornell's all-time digs list with 1,859. She compiled 62 digs in the tournament, including 27 in the five-set win over UW-Stevens Point.
First-year outside hitter
Hannah Cantwell represented the Rams on the all-tournament team. She tallied a collegiate-best 15 kills against the Pointers (13-11).
Nia Howard accounted for 28 assists and five aces.
Mia Tubbs hit .346 with 12 kills, while
Selia Stein totaled five blocks.
The Rams carried momentum into the Illinois Wesleyan match, which they led 2-1. Cornell held a 17-15 advantage in Set 4 and was tied 12-12 in Set 5, but couldn't finish off the Titans.
Sophomore
Ally Olmstead keyed the upset bid against Illinois Wesleyan, posting a career-best 18 kills on .417 hitting. She also had four blocks.
Stein gathered seven blocks, including four solo.
Grace Tverberg dished 23 assists and Howard fired four more aces.
The Rams had their work cut out against hot-hitting UW-Eau Claire, which recorded a .337 attack percentage. Cantwell led Cornell's attack with 11 kills.
Sully Downey had three ace serves.
Coming up – The Rams travel to play rival Coe at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Cedar Rapids. The Kohawks prevailed in the first meeting, 3-2, on Sept. 10.
