CEDAR RAPIDS – Cornell's volleyball team fell on the short end of a pair of four-set matches against high-profile opponents Saturday at the Coe Tournament inside Kohawk Arena.
The Rams dropped a 25-17, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21 decision to Gustavus Adolphus. Cornell was then edged by scores of 26-24, 25-22, 24-26 and 25-18 against Saint Benedict. Both foes are receiving national votes in this week's AVCA Top 25 Poll.
Cornell moved to 3-5 on the season. All of the Rams' losses – within a rigorous 10-day span – have come against teams garnering attention in the national poll.
The Rams went toe-to-toe with a strong 8-1 Saint Benedict squad that qualified for the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
Ashlin Nottestad smashed a team-high 10 kills, while fellow first-year
Grace Tverberg recorded a double-double with 21 assists and 13 digs.
Cornell received eight kills apiece from
Ally Olmstead and
Mia Tubbs.
Ella Becker anchored the back row with 19 digs. The Rams hit .199, to Saint Benedict's .224.
The Rams were sharp from the service line against Gustavus Adolphus (9-1) with 13 aces.
Lizzy Kaus led the way with five ace serves, followed by
Nia Howard with four. Kaus also provided a team-best five blocks.
Kiana Manson and Olmstead paced Cornell's attack with eight kills apiece.
Hannah Cantwell registered 16 digs.
Gustavus Adolphus limited the Rams to .015 hitting.
Coming up – Cornell competes at the Calvin Tournament next weekend in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Rams have Friday matches against Heidelberg at 4 p.m. and Calvin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday contest with North Park at 1 p.m.
