ITHACA, N.Y. – The 16th/14th-ranked Ithaca women's soccer team (6-0-2, 2-0-0 Empire 8) trounced visiting Utica (3-5-0, 1-1-0 Empire 8), 3-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Carp Wood Field. Junior Rachael Palladino (Lansing/Lansing) netted a season-high three goals.

Palladino's trio of goals are the most she has scored since putting away three against Hartwick in 2010. Sitting tied for second all-time in Ithaca's record books with 96 career points and ranking second for goals scored with 40, Palladino tallied four against the Pioneers in 2010 to knot Ithaca's school record for goals in a game.

The Bombers wasted little time as they posted the game's first goal just 1:12 into action. Palladino shot left past the Utica keeper after gathering a deflected baseline cross from junior Caroline Jastremski (Notre Dame Academy/Staten Island).

With Ithaca's offense dominating the action, Palladino made it a 2-0 game in the 24th minute. Sophomore Ellyn Grant-Keane (Lansing/Lansing) sent a through ball to the feet of Palladino who again placed a shot in the upper left corner of goal.

She claimed her hat trick lacing in another shot from the center of the box on a pass from senior Marla Schilling (Canton/Canton, Conn.).

Junior Becca Salant (Holliston/Holliston, Mass.) recorded her third shutout with a two-save performance.

The Bombers, who outshot the Pioneers 28-5, held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Ithaca will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Hartwick.

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