MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The Lawrence University volleyball team opened Saturday's matchup at Cornell College with a strong first-set performance, but the Rams rallied to earn a 3-1 Midwest Conference victory at the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
Lawrence came out with control in the opening set, hitting .268 as a team and recording 15 kills. The Vikings built their advantage and closed out the set 25-16, taking an early 1-0 lead in the match. Bella Van Lannen paced the attack with four kills in the opening frame, while the Vikings received contributions throughout the lineup.
Cornell responded in the second set, using a strong offensive showing to even the match with a 25-18 win. The Rams carried that momentum into the third, pulling away for a 25-22 decision to take a 2-1 lead. Lawrence stayed within reach throughout the set, but Cornell finished the key points to move ahead.
The Vikings fought to extend the match in the fourth set, trading points with the Rams in a closely contested finish. Lawrence forced the set beyond the 25-point mark, but Cornell came away with the 27-25 win to secure the match.
Van Lannen led Lawrence with 11 kills and 14.5 points. Emma Nilson added eight kills while Meg Pfannerstill and Norma Glisczinski each finished with seven. Makenna Rettler directed the offense with 45 assists, and Amanda Vlkovic anchored the defense with 26 digs. Pfannerstill also contributed 15 digs, while Hallie Neill added 22 assists.
Lawrence finished with 46 kills and a .179 hitting percentage, while Cornell recorded 47 kills. The Vikings also totaled 65 digs and eight team blocks in the match.
