Women edged by a goal in home finale

Needing a win to keep its postseason hopes alive, the Cornell women's soccer team came up one goal short Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 Iowa Conference battle with Central on Senior Day in Mount Vernon.

The Rams (5-13 overall, 1-6 IIAC) struck for a quick goal just 17 seconds into the match, but would be held scoreless the remainder of the way.

It's been a conference slate of near misses for first-year coach Kirsten Russell's squad, which was dealt its third one-goal loss in the last five outings. Two of the losses came at home in double overtime early in the month, against Buena Vista and Dubuque.

Cornell gained early control on its first offensive possession when Lauren Dingle fed senior Amy Johnson for a goal - her first of the fall - that put the Rams ahead 1-0. Central (10-6, 3-4) tied the match at 1-1 in the 12th minute, and then provided what proved to be the winning goal at the 32-minute mark.

The Rams had ample opportunities to square the score in the second half, outshooting the guests by an 8-6 margin. Freshman Kaci Jazo led Cornell's attack with three shots. Kendra Wisely and Johnson attempted two shots apiece.

Cornell freshman goalkeeper Kassi Todryk worked her 18th complete match of the season. She finished with six saves, holding the Dutch scoreless over the final 58 minutes.

The Rams had their hands full at Wartburg Wednesday night, falling 7-0 to the ninth-ranked Knights in Waverly. Wartburg (14-1-2, 6-0-1) scored four times in the opening 11 minutes and jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead.

Todryk converted six saves against a Wartburg attack that totaled 30 shots. Jazo was in on two of Cornell's four attempts.

Senior recognition - The Rams paid tribute to their six seniors at halftime of Saturday's match with Central. The senior group features Dingle, Johnson, Delaney Krisel, Rachel Silverstone, Katie Wiens and Rachel Wynn. All are four-year contributors with 357 matches played between them.

Season finale - Cornell wraps up the 2011 campaign Wednesday with a 6 p.m. kickoff against nationally-ranked Loras (14-2-1, 6-0-1) in Dubuque. The Duhawks are tied atop the IIAC standings with Wartburg.