Rams score conference dual wins over Central, Buena Vista

Cornell stretched its winning streak to four matches with a weekend sweep over two Iowa Conference opponents in Mount Vernon.

The Rams scored a 6-3 victory over Central Saturday, then came back Sunday morning to post an 8-1 win over Buena Vista. Cornell improved its season record to 6-5 and remained third in the IIAC standings at 4-1.

Freshman Samuel O'Donnell paced the Rams with a perfect 4-0 mark in the two duals. Freshman Orion Wilkinson also went unbeaten, winning all three of his matches.

Against Central (3-7, 0-3 IIAC), the Rams earned tight doubles wins from Justin Bradfield and Tyler Shonkwiler (8-6, at No. 1) and O'Donnell and Wilkinson (8-5, at No. 3). Cornell held its lead by taking four of the six singles matches: Garrett Russikoff (7-6, 7-6 at No. 2), O'Donnell (6-4, 4-6, 6-0 at No. 4), Joseph Gelfand (6-2, 6-4 at No. 5) and Joseph Reyes (6-3, 6-1 at No. 6).

The Rams had no trouble with Buena Vista (1-4, 0-2 IIAC). Cornell swept all six singles matches in straight sets, including 6-0, 6-0 wins from Justin Bradfield at No. 1 and O'Donnell at No. 4. Russikoff, Neal Klauer, Gelfand and Reyes also were victorious in singles.

Cornell beat the Beavers 8-2 in doubles at both No. 2 (Klauer/Wilkinson) and No. 3 (O'Donnell/Reyes) positions.

Coming up – Saturday, March 12, at Grinnell, vs. Grinnell, 1 p.m., vs. St. Norbert, 4:30 p.m.

Cornell match results

Cornell 8, Buena Vista 1 (Feb. 27, at Mount Vernon)

Cornell 6, Central 3 (Feb. 26, at Mount Vernon)