MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's women's lacrosse team got back on the winning track under challenging conditions Wednesday night with a 7-4 NACC victory over Lawrence at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
 
The Rams (2-7 overall, 1-2 NACC) battled the wind, cold, rain and an opponent that wouldn't go away until the late stages to record their first conference win of the season.
 
Cornell led 3-0 after one period, although saw the visiting Vikings (1-7 overall, 1-2 NACC) draw even at 4-4 with 4:27 left in the third quarter. Cornell's defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way.
 
Senior Brynn Miroslavich led Cornell's attack with three goals, including the go-ahead strike on an assist from Natalie Hudgins with 2:56 remaining in the third. Hudgins then connected on a free position shot later in the period, pushing the Rams ahead 6-4.
 
Ava Ferencz capped the night with an unassisted goal with 2:05 left in regulation. The sophomore had a strong all-around game with one assist, six ground balls, five draw controls and two caused turnovers.   
 
First-year Cassie Clay contributed two goals for the Rams, who held a 27-15 advantage in total shots. Cornell's defense recorded 15 caused turnovers, receiving three apiece from Ilsa Jeffery and Kailey McFarlin.
 
Leila Velez and Hannah Miech combined for six saves in split time at goalie. Velez yielded just one goal in her first half. Miech came on after intermission.
 
Coming up – The Rams head to Milwaukee, Wis., Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. game against MSOE (2-9 overall, 1-2 NACC).