Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College softball team (24-12) defeated Alfred Sunday afternoon, dropping the Saxons by a score of 8-0 in five innings at Kostrinsky Field to claim the 2014 Empire 8 Championship. The win marks the Bombers' ninth Empire 8 Championship, and first since 2012. The win also gives Ithaca the Empire 8's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Senior Sam Bender earned her third win of the tournament, as she held the Saxons scoreless and recorded one strikeout in 5.0 innings of play. Sophomore Kelly Robichaud led the Bombers with four RBI. She went 2-for-3 with two singles and a run scored. Junior Francesca Busa went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while freshman Jessie Fleck went 1-for-2 with a run scored and two RBI.

The Bombers scored their first run in the third on a bases loaded error in the Alfred infield to take a 1-0 lead. With the bases still loaded, Robichaud sent a shot right through the middle of the defense into center field. Two runs scored on the play, putting Ithaca up by a score of 3-0.

The Bombers once again turned on the offense in the fifth, as Ithaca scored five runs in the frame on four hits and two errors. With runners at first and second, Robichaud once again came through with a hit up the middle infield to score two more Bomber runs. Robichaud advanced to third on the play due to the throw and an error in the outfield. Junior Monica Capolongo brought Robichaud home with a single in the following at bat, giving Ithaca the 6-0 lead. Fleck capped the scoring with a bases loaded two-run single later in the inning, putting the Bombers up, 8-0.

Alfred was unable to cross home in the second half of the fifth, giving Ithaca the Empire 8 Championship via the fifth inning eight-run rule.
 
Four Bombers were named to the 2014 Empire 8 All-Tournament Team, including senior Sam Bender who was honored as the MVP of the tournament. Bender was joined by Busa, Fleck and sophomore Casey Gavin.

Ithaca will now move on to the NCAA Tournament. The first round is scheduled for the weekend of May 9-11. Announcement of host sites and seeding will take place on Monday, May 5. 

All-Tournament Team
Gavriella Risman-Jones - Stevens
Chelsea Monroe - Utica
Meghan Matan - Utica
Alison Wickwire - Alfred
Liz Thompson - Alfred
Samantha Jauregui - Alfred
Francesca Busa - Ithaca
Casey Gavin - Ithaca
Jessie Fleck - Ithaca
Sam Bender - Ithaca - MVP