MOUNT VERNON – A stifling defensive effort paved the way to Cornell's 63-33 win over Lake Forest in Midwest Conference women's basketball action Saturday afternoon inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The Rams (8-5 overall, 2-3 MWC) outscored Lake Forest 29-5 over the middle two quarters en route to their fifth victory in their last six games. It was Cornell's ninth consecutive series win over the Foresters (2-12 overall, 0-5 MWC).
 
Erin Knowles had another big game for the Rams with 26 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots. The sophomore forward connected on 8-of-11 field goals and was a perfect 9-of-9 from the foul line.
 
Knowles tallied 24 points through three quarters, four more than Lake Forest's team.
 
Tied 15-15 after one period, Cornell then dominated the defensive end and held Lake Forest to only one made field goal until early in the fourth quarter, spanning 22:13 of game time. The Rams scored 22 unanswered points during one stretch to blow it open.
 
The Rams forced 24 turnovers and held the Foresters to 22.4-percent shooting for the contest.
 
Heidi Jorgensen finished with eight points and a pair of 3-point goals. Darby Haley contributed six points and four rebounds off the bench. Caroline Kron, Savanna Robinson and Hailey Testolin had five points apiece.
 
Coming up – Cornell travels to play second-place Knox (5-8 overall, 4-1 MWC) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Galesburg, Ill.