ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Cornell's women's lacrosse team erased a five-goal deficit, although couldn't complete the big comeback in Tuesday's 11-10 season-opening loss to Augustana on the road.
 
The Rams (0-1) reeled off five unanswered goals and tied the game at 10-10 on Hailey Sieler's unassisted score with 7:21 left in regulation. As the defenses tightened down the stretch, Augustana (2-0) cracked through for the game-winner with 3:19 left to play.
 
Cornell outscored the Vikings 9-7 over the final three quarters and held a 28-20 advantage in total shots for the night.
 
Senior Sabrina Ibanez paced the Rams with three goals, six ground balls and five draw controls. Cornell received two goals apiece from Ava Ferencz and freshman Cassie Clay, who also contributed one assist in her collegiate debut.
 
Sieler, Evi Reedy and Alex Neely all scored once for Cornell.  
 
Sophomore goalie Leila Velez allowed only three goals over the final 30 minutes to give the Rams a chance late. Starter Hannah Miech collected five saves in the first half.
 
The Rams attempted 11 free-position shots, but converted on just three of them.
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play UW-River Falls (0-2) at 7 p.m. Friday in River Falls, Wis.