MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — Lawrence University (23-11, 6-2 Midwest) fell to Cornell College (19-10, 8-0 Midwest) in a four-set match on Saturday afternoon at the Small Athletic and Wellness Center, with scores of 18-25, 25-16, 19-25, and 23-25. Despite the loss, the Vikings' offense was highlighted by seven service aces. This match marked Lawrence's first conference championship appearance in program history, capping off a very historic season for the Lawrence volleyball program.

The opening set began with Lawrence taking an early advantage, highlighted by Chania Tinch's kill, assisted by Ally Corrente. Despite this strong start, the Rams responded by capitalizing on Lawrence's errors. The Vikings managed to regain momentum with kills from Alayna Geiser and Hazel Cook, bringing the score to a tie at 7-7 after a service ace by Amanda Vlkovic. However, a series of service aces from Cornell's Hannah Cantwell shifted the momentum back to the home team.

Lawrence fought back with Cook and Corrente leading the charge, narrowing the gap to 15-13. Despite this effort, the Rams maintained their lead through an effective offensive push, leading to a 25-18 first set victory for the home team.

Lawrence seized momentum in the second set with a decisive offensive surge led by Hazel Cook, who registered multiple kills assisted by Ally Corrente. Cook's early efforts were bolstered by Annaliesse Schmall and Audrey Weier, who each contributed crucial points, including a service ace by Alayna Geiser that extended the lead. Aria Wessel then delivered a series of impactful serves, including two aces, widening the gap further.

Despite the Rams' attempts to counter, including attacks by Ashlin Nottestad and Ally Olmstead, Lawrence maintained control. Chania Tinch's kill, assisted by Corrente, secured the set's concluding point. Lawrence finished the set ahead with a score of 25-16.

Lawrence found a burst of momentum early in the third set, tying the score at 4-4 with a kill by Hazel Cook. They briefly took the lead with an attack error by Mia Tubbs, but the Rams responded with consistent play, extending their advantage to 11-8. Lawrence narrowed the gap with key contributions from Annaliesse Schmall and Cook, bringing the score to 13-11. Despite this effort, the Rams maintained their edge, capitalizing on Lawrence's errors and securing the set with a final score of 25-19. The game concluded with the Rams winning the match.

Lawrence mounted a strong comeback in the fourth set, rallying from a seven-point deficit to tie the score at 14-14 with key contributions from Alayna Geiser and Audrey Weier, both aided by Ally Corrente's assists. Despite Lawrence's determined effort, the Rams managed to edge ahead with a service ace by Kensie Staats and a crucial block by Grace Tverberg and Selia Stein. The Vikings kept the contest close with a late surge, including a service ace by Aria Wessel, but ultimately fell short as the Rams secured the set 25-23. 

Lawrence Top Performers

Hazel Cook  
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- 17 kills on 45 attempts  
- 10 digs  
- 17.5 points total  

Ally Corrente  
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- 45 assists  
- six digs  
- two block assists  

Audrey Weier  
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- 10 kills on 29 attempts  
- two block assists  
- 11 points total  

Aria Wessel  
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- 20 digs  
- three service aces