APPLETON, Wis. -- The Lawrence University football team hung tough for more than three quarters Saturday, but Cornell College came away with a 27-7 Midwest Conference victory on Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl.
    The Vikings took the early lead in the homecoming contest and trailed by only six headed to the fourth quarter, but some key defensive stops by Cornell was the difference in the contest.
    Lawrence quarterback Jack Sweeney completed 17-of-30 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. Sweeney also led the team with 15 carries for 71 yards. 
    Jackson Barbour led Lawrence's receiving corps with five catches for 34 yards. Logan Olson had four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, and Aidan Williams had four catches for 41 yards for the Vikings (0-4, 0-3 MWC).
    A pair of first-year linebackers both posted double-digit tackle totals for Lawrence. Jon Pasquarello had 13 tackles and KJ Sweeney had 12 stops as both playes recorded eight solo tackles.
    Lawrence took the opening kickoff and moved 66 yards in 11 plays for the touchdown. Williams had a key 15-yard catch for a first down, and Jake Spencer had a 17-yard catch for another first down. 
    Lawrence was facing fourth-and-seven at the Cornell 27-yard line when Sweeney connected with Williams for 14 yards. Sweeney then hit a wide-open Olson for a 13-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
    Cornell (2-3, 2-2) answered with a touchdown on its first drive, and the Rams scored early in the second quarter to take a 13-7 lead.
    Lawrence drove to the Cornell 40 on its next possession before punting, and the Vikings then drove to the Rams' 22 on the next drive before turning the ball over on downs in the final minute of the first half.
    The Vikings took their first possession of the second half and moved to the Cornell 33 before Sweeney fumbled, and the Rams recovered. Cornell drove for another touchdown and scored with 14:28 left in the contest for a 20-7 edge. 
    Lawrence came right back and moved smartly down the field. Sweeney hit Barbour on a beautiful running throw for a first down at the Cornell four-yard line. The Cornell defense stiffened and Lawrence faced fourth down at the four when Pat Thompson was stopped to force a turnover on downs.
    The Rams then tacked on a 34-yard touchdown run by Joel Lacy for the final margin. Lacy led Cornell with 21 carries for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
    Lawrence is back on the road next Saturday when the Vikings travel to Illinois College.