LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Cornell's women's lacrosse team clinched a berth in the NACC Tournament for the second consecutive year despite Saturday's 17-3 loss to first-place Lake Forest at Farwell Field.
 
Coach Meredith Meier's Rams (5-9 overall, 4-4 NACC) moved into sixth place in the league standings with one game to go. Cornell holds a one-game lead over seventh-place Illinois Tech (3-5 NACC), which the Rams beat 15-4 on April 11.  
 
The top six teams qualify for the NACC Tournament, which starts with the quarterfinals on April 25.
 
Cornell had its three-game winning streak snapped against the Foresters (10-4 overall, 8-0 NACC), who broke open a competitive contest by outscoring the Rams, 10-0, in the second half.
 
The Rams hung tough early, receiving goals from Sabrina Ibanez and Hailey Sieler to stay within 3-2 after one quarter. First-year Cassie Clay then converted a free position shot that pulled Cornell even at 3-3 with 13:18 left in the first half.
 
Lake Forest finished the day on a 14-0 scoring run. The Foresters outshot the Rams, 40-22, and held a 27-19 advantage in ground balls.
 
Ilsa Jeffery led Cornell's defense with seven ground balls. Hannah Miech went the distance at goalie and recorded 14 saves.
 
Ava Ferencz and Natalie Hudgins both won three draw controls.
 
Avery Srnka paced the Foresters with six goals on seven total shots.
 
Coming up – Cornell concludes the regular season at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday against Aurora (9-7 overall, 7-1 NACC) at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.