MOUNT VERNON – The Rams are finding their way, now back to .500 since early September and on top of the Midwest Conference volleyball standings at 3-0.
Cornell collected its fifth consecutive victory Tuesday night with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-20 sweep over MWC newcomer Luther inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
The Rams (7-7 overall) improved to 4-1 on their home court, led by
Ashlin Nottestad's match-high 13 kills and eight digs. Reigning MWC Defensive Performer of the Week
Kensie Staats scooped 12 digs, putting the senior over 800 for her career.
Cornell hit .222 as a team and connected on eight ace serves, four off the hand of sophomore
Hannah Cantwell. Cantwell added nine digs and six kills to her strong all-around night.
The Rams were balanced offensively.
Ally Olmstead totaled eight kills, while
Mia Tubbs and
Selia Stein had six apiece. Tubbs led all players with five blocks.
Setters
Grace Tverberg and
Nia Howard contributed 18 and 15 assists, respectively. Howard recorded one ace for the 193rd of her career, tying Hope Coffin (2004-07) for No. 3 on Cornell's all-time chart.
This was Cornell's seventh consecutive series win over the Norse (4-14 overall, 1-2 MWC). The teams hadn't met since 2019.
Coming up – The Rams remain home Friday night for an appealing 7 p.m. nonconference match against Wartburg (13-5).
