MOUNT VERNON, IOWA—The Hamline University women's lacrosse team dropped a 12-7 road decision in their 2024 Midwest Lacrosse Conference opener at Cornell (Iowa) on Sunday afternoon.

The Pipers fall to 5-4, 0-1 MWLC, while the Rams improve to 10-2, 1-1 MLC.

Cornell 12, Hamline 7

After they found themselves in a 7-3 hole at halftime, Hamline came back and cut their deficit to two goals on a pair of occasions in the second half courtesy of Aoi Suzuki. Her first goal of the game capped a 3-0 Pipers run that made the score 7-5 with 12:28 remaining in the third quarter. Suzuki's second tally occurred on the player-up with 4:25 left in the third frame, which made the score 8-6. 

Hamline outshot Cornell 8-3 in the third frame, five of those shots belonged to Suzuki. But all three of the Ram's third-quarter shots found the back of the net, which gave them a 10-6 cushion going into the fourth quarter. Hamline couldn't close the gap further in the fourth frame, where Cornell secured a 12-7 victory.

Suzuki and Maitland Luksan each finished with two goals in the contest for the Pipers, while Kendra Haselow had a team-leading three caused turnovers.

Cornell outshot Hamline 29-20. The Pipers had a 12-11 advantage in draw controls, led by Avery Wilson's five.

Hamline goalie Justine Case led Hamline with five ground balls, and finished with nine saves. Hannah Miech prevailed with five saves in net for the Rams. 

The Pipers will host UW-Eau Claire at Klas Field on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.