Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College softball team lost a close contest to Alfred Saturday afternoon, falling to the Saxons by a score of 1-0. The defeat marks the Bombers' first loss in the double elimination tournament, and forces a second game with Alfred to decide the Empire 8 Championship. Ithaca now holds a 23-12 overall record on the year. The Saxons are now 27-9.

Senior Sam Bender pitched her third complete game of the tournament. She didn't allow an earned run and picked up three strikeouts in the loss. Juniors Nicole Ciricillo, Francesca Busa and freshman Jessie Fleck all recorded singles.

Alfred used small ball to record the only run of the game in the top of the fifth. With one out and runners on the corners, the Saxons put down a bunt for the squeeze play. Alfred scored on the play, giving the Saxons a 1-0 lead.

Ithaca threatened with a runner on second in the final frame, but the Bombers were unable to bring her home, giving Alfred the 1-0 win.

The final game of the Empire 8 Championship Tournament is Sunday, May 4. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.