MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's women's soccer team stayed even for 60-plus minutes, although visiting Grinnell turned up the pressure late to take a 3-0 Midwest Conference victory Wednesday.
 
Sophomore Eva Plathe fired two of Cornell's four shots during a scoreless first half for both teams seeking their first conference win.
 
Grinnell (4-5-3 overall, 1-1-2 MWC) finally broke through Cornell's back line after intermission, scoring three goals during a 17-minute stretch that decided the match. The Pioneers netted the first goal in the 61st minute and then added insurance with a penalty kick and another unassisted goal.
 
Cornell's defense faced 24 total shots from the Pioneers, 17 coming in the second half. Sabrina Ibanez finished with 11 saves, marking the seventh time she's reached double digits this fall.
 
Gwen Westervelt and Macky Larkin had one shot apiece for the young Rams (2-10 overall, 0-3 MWC). Grinnell held a 12-4 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play Illinois College (6-6-2 overall, 2-1 MWC) at 2 p.m. Saturday in Jacksonville, Ill.