Cornell’s women’s soccer team fell victim to a late penalty kick in Saturday’s 1-0 Midwest Conference battle with Ripon at Hopp Stadium.
The Rams turned in a strong defensive effort, holding the Red Hawks scoreless deep into the second half.
Ripon capitalized on a Cornell foul and converted the decisive penalty kick with 10:34 remaining in the contest.
Goalkeeper Sabrina Ibanez posted five saves over 90 minutes, facing 15 shots from the Red Hawks.
Kylie Hard led Cornell’s attack with a pair of shots. Hard, Amelia Brown and Savannah Sonenstahl each had one shot on goal.
Earlier in the week, the Rams won 3-1 over Knox.
Sophomore Gwen Westervelt provided insurance with a pair of second-half goals for the Rams, who fired a season-high 23 shots in a match they never trailed.
Rivard gave Cornell early momentum, taking a pass from India Smith and finding the back left corner of the net at the 23-minute mark that put the home team ahead 1-0.
Westervelt scored off a deflected kick from teammate Kylie Hard in the 63rd minute, increasing Cornell’s lead to 2-0. Westervelt delivered her second goal of the match – and team-high third of the season – on an assist from Brynn Schierenbeck in the 88th minute to complete the scoring.
Knox’s lone goal came on a penalty kick at the 75-minute mark that brought the Prairie Fire within 2-1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sabrina Ibanez posted seven saves in a complete-game victory.
Hard paced Cornell’s attack with eight shots, including seven on goal. Westervelt finished with four attempts, followed by Smith and Amelia Brown with two apiece.