Game Overview
ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women’s soccer team commenced its season on an impressive note, achieving a full-time 2–0 shutout victory against Elmira College. The match took place on Friday at Bertino Field, part of Butterfield Stadium.
Defensive Prowess
Despite losing their leading scorer and starting goalkeeper Grace Hickey from the previous season, the Bombers exhibited exceptional strength in both offense and defense. The trio of defenders—Allie McCabe, Ali Amari, and Reese Ruegamer—marked their territory early, ensuring that Elmira faced a complete shutout with zero shot attempts throughout the match. Ithaca dominated the shots count, outshooting Elmira 40–0.
Offensive Highlights
Midfielder Kaelyn Fernandez played a pivotal role, leading the team with five shots and scoring one goal. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, following sustained pressure on the Elmira goal. After a close-range effort by junior midfielder Alyssa Andrecki was saved by Elmira’s goalkeeper, Sarah Cantrell, the Bombers kept the pressure. Ava Detorie assisted McCabe, who scored her fifth career goal to put Ithaca ahead.
Continued Pressure and Defense
The Bombers almost doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Ali Amari’s shot forced another impressive diving save from Cantrell. They entered halftime with a narrow 1–0 advantage.
In the second half, Cantrell continued her remarkable performance by thwarting another opportunity from Ithaca in the 59th minute. However, the Bombers extended their lead in the 65th minute when Lilyana Baldi surged forward and assisted Fernandez, who netted her ninth career goal to make the score 2–0.
Shutout Secured
Even as the game moved into the final minutes, Ithaca’s defense remained unyielding. Notable attempts by Mia Medearis and Julia D’Anza in the 78th minute missed the target, with Medearis hitting the crossbar. The shutout was secured by Ithaca’s sophomore goalkeeper, who played the entire 90 minutes in her first collegiate start.
Looking Ahead
The Bombers are set to face Heidelberg University next on August 31 at Carp Wood Field. The Student Princes, who recently played to a draw against SUNY Geneseo, will be another test as Ithaca kicks off its Liberty League title defense against Vassar College on September 27.
