ITHACA, N.Y. — Mercyhurst was unable to slow down a high-powered Cornell offense on Friday, falling 5-0 in a non-conference match up at Barton Hall.

The first quarter between Mercyhurst and Cornell ended scoreless, with Cornell maintaining offensive pressure through multiple penalty corners. Julia Ramsey of Cornell orchestrated six penalty corners, but Mercyhurst's goalkeeper, Louise Pert, stood firm with several crucial saves. Despite Cornell's persistent efforts, totaling eight shots, their accuracy faltered with several shots going wide or being blocked.

Cornell took control early in the second quarter scoring off a penalty corner to jump ahead by one. Just over three minutes later, the Big Red doubled their lead with another goal. Mercyhurst's defense, led by Pert, faced relentless pressure as Cornell continued to generate penalty corners and shots, including another goal towards the end of the second quarter to put them up by three. 

The third quarter began with relentless pressure from Cornell once again. Just two minutes in, the Big Red capitalized on a penalty stroke to extend their lead to four. Cornell struck again just two minutes later, notching their fifth goal of the game. Marina Evert managed to get a shot off late in the quarter, but it rang off the post, keeping the Lakers scoreless heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Cornell maintain their defensive resilience as Mercyhurst continued to struggle generating significant offensive pressure. Pert came up with another crucial save early in the period to keep the deficit from growing. Although Cornell stayed on the attack, their efforts were hampered by inaccurate shooting. Maddie Huffer earned a penalty corner three minutes from the end of regulation, leading to a blocked shot by Helena Moon.

Up next, the Lakers return to Erie for their home and conference opener against Merrimack on September 19 at 1:00PM.