Rochester, N.Y.--With a sweep of Hartwick on Saturday night, Ithaca secured a spot in the Empire 8 Tournament, qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2007. The Bombers (19-13, 5-1 Empire 8) downed the Hawks (7-18, 1-5 Empire 8) 25-13, 25-19, 25-18. Ithaca will conclude conference play Sunday with matches against Elmria and Nazareth.

Senior Rachel Busch (Hoover/North Canton, Ohio) had a match-high 15 kills. Sophomores Kate Thoene (Voorhees/High Bridge, N.J.) and Karin Edsall (Cornwall Central/Cornwall) added eight and seven,respectively.

Senior Corinna Doctor (Skaneateles/Skaneateles) led Ithaca with 31 assists and 11 digs. She now 5,230 career assists, and needs just 68 more to become Ithaca's all-time leader in the category.

Junior Tina Orlandini (Flintridge Sacred Heart/Altadena, Calif.) contributed nine digs and two aces.

The Empire 8 Tournament will begin Nov. 6 at Stevens Institute of Technology. Ithaca will play Nazareth in the semifinal round.

The Bombers begin Action Sunday at 12:30 p.m. against Elmira.

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