MOUNT VERNON, Iowa -- The Lawrence University women's basketball team came up just short on Saturday in a 57-51 Midwest Conference loss to Cornell College at the Small Center.
    Lawrence, playing without three starters, rallied from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a one-point advantage with just over a minute left. Cornell hit a big 3-pointer and got a key defensive stop to hold on for the win.
    Emma Carlson led the Vikings with 12 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. Carlson topped her previous high of 13 rebounds earlier this season at Beloit College.
    Libby Crandall came off the bench to score 10 points and grabbed four rebounds for the Vikings (6-11, 2-6 MWC). Lawrence's Josie Eager added nine points and five assists, and fellow rookie Sophie Morey had another quality game with eight points on 4-for-5 shooting and five rebounds in 12 minutes. Delaney Brooks added seven points and six rebounds for the Vikings. 
    Cornell led by as many as seven points in the second quarter, but got a layup from Morey and 3-pointers from Crandall and Eager to grab a 20-17 lead at the half. 
    Lawrence led by as many as six points in the third quarter, but the Rams rallied to take a 38-37 lead early in the fourth quarter. Cornell built the advantage to 48-41, but the Vikings fought back. 
    After a Brooks free throw, Mallory Meyer and Carlson followed with back-to-back jumpers to trim the margin to 48-46. The Rams countered with a free throw, but Carlson hit a jumper and Lawrence got a defensive stop and a turnover. Carlson was fouled on the ensuing possession and hit both free throws to give Lawrence a 50-49 lead with 1:07 left.
    Madison Osborn then hit a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left to give Cornell a 52-50 advantage. Meyer was fouled on the next possession and made the first free throw to trim the margin to 52-51. She missed the second and Cornell grabbed the rebound. 
    Kali March made one free throw to give Cornell a two-point lead, and the Vikings went to Carlson in the post. She got a great look, but her short jumper went off the back iron and Cornell pulled down the rebound. March made four free throws in the final 13 seconds to seal the win.
    March led Cornell (7-7, 6-1) with 18 points.