Hoboken, N.J.—Ithaca dropped its second match on the second day of the Empire 8 Crossover tournament, falling to Nazareth 30-28, 30-13, 14-30, 17-30. The Bombers (9-7, 1-1) continue play in the tournament on Sunday. The Golden Flyers (12-6, 4-0) have concluded play for the weekend.

Ithaca took early control of the third set, jumping out to leads of 7-2 and 16-8. The Bombers scored consistently with junior Francine Nikas (Greenwich/Greenwich, Conn.) serving, getting two separate runs of at least five straight points with her behind the line. Nikas picked up four kills and two aces in the set.

The opening set was the closest of the afternoon, featuring ties and nine lead changes. Ithaca rallied from four points down to tie the score at 20. Kills from juniors Rachel Busch (Hoover/North Canton, Ohio) and Jen Heberton (Darien/Darien, Conn.) helped put the Bombers up 25-24. Each team got two chances at set point, but neither could pick it up until two straight Flyers kills after a 28-28 tie. Busch and Heberton picked up 15 of the Bombers' 16 kills in the opening set. Heberton led the team with 15 kills in the match.

Ithaca continues play on Sunday, playing Rochester Institute of Technology at 10 a.m.


Box Score