ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College field hockey team faced a must-win situation if it hoped to keep its Empire 8 postseason aspirations alive and well heading into the final week of the regular season. The Bombers answered the call with arguably their best performance of the season to-date, besting Washington & Jefferson College 3-1 at rain-swept Higgins Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
Saturday presented a difficult test for Ithaca, as Washington & Jefferson entered the matchup with a 13-2 overall record and sat one game ahead of the Bombers for the fourth and final berth to the upcoming Empire 8 Tournament. If that was not enough, the two sides had to slog through the worst conditions of the fall, as stinging rain and wind persisted throughout the afternoon. IC used a three-goal barrage over an eight-minute stretch of the second half to pull away from the Presidents for a crucial late-season victory.
 
"It was an extremely hard-fought game with a lot at stake for both teams," head coach Tracey Houk said. "W&J played tough and batted us all the way to the end, but we really played a strong unified game as a team."
 
Although the soaking rain and cold temperatures would be enough to put a damper on any occasion, the Ithaca spirits were as high as ever as the team honored the six graduating members of its senior class in a pre-game ceremony. Playing in what likely will be their final game at Higgins Stadium during their respective collegiate careers, it was the seniors that played a big role in securing a win that puts the team in position to extend its season.
 
The two sides sloshed their way through the quagmire during an opening half that did not feature much in the way of offense. The Presidents and Bombers combined for just nine shot attempts in the half, while only four of those attempts were directed on goal. The keepers were sure to deny all of the rare scoring chances that made it to the cage. Senior, Katie Lass, was sharp from the get-go, turning away three shot attempts for saves in the first 35 minutes. Ithaca and Washington & Jefferson remained deadlocked at 0-0 heading into the break.
 
In a game that was starved for offense, it was the Bombers that struck the first blow in the 49^th minute of play. Senior forward, Colleen Keegan-Twombly, sparked the play, streaking towards the Presidents cage, before sliding a deft pass to freshman, Kendall Keil, who was camped at the right post. Keil used her strength to maintain her position despite the on-rushing defense, jamming the shot past Washington & Jefferson keeper, Karlie Baran, to lift Ithaca into the lead.
 
The home side dealt Washington & Jefferson a big blow just over seven minutes later when IC scored twice over a 26-second span to grab a decisive 3-0 lead. Junior, Michaela Donohue, and senior, Colleen Keegan-Twombly, teamed up on the scoring barrage, which proved to be the difference in the contest.
 
Donohue netted the first goal with just under 14 minutes remaining to double the lead at 2-0. Using her exceptional speed, she split the Washington & Jefferson defense to get a one-on-one chance Baran. The Presidents' keeper denied her initial shot, but Donohue stuck with the play and deposited the rebound into the vacated cage. The visitors called a timeout in an effort to regroup.
 
Keegan-Twombly ensured that the timeout did not stymie the momentum, scoring another goal right off the restart. Donohue was the prime creator on the play, as she made a driving run towards the left post forcing Baran off her line in an effort to cut off the angle. She slipped a pass to Keegan-Twombly who was wide open in the five-yard box for the easy tap-in.
 
"It was great seeing our defensive corner unit play strong throughout the game," Houk said. "Our offense started to connect better in the second half and our attack really started to click."
 
The experienced defense, led by seniors, Jess Smith and Hannah Gerber, as well as the solid keeping of Lass made sure the lead stood up. Although the Presidents got one back when Laura O'Malley scored in the 62^nd minute, the Bombers easily held on for the 3-1 win.
 
Lass finished with six saves, in the process passing Jen Stoneburg '09 for fourth on the program's all-time list for career stops. Lass now sits with 469 career denials.
 
"Our seniors had a strong influence on the game and it was great to play for them and pick up the win," Houk concluded. "It is a great day to be a Bomber!"
 
The win vaults Ithaca ahead of Washington & Jefferson in the conference standings with one game left for both teams. The Bombers control their own fate, as they can clinch a postseason berth with a victory at last-place Elmira on Saturday. The Presidents conclude the season with a home contest against third-place Stevens.
 
Ithaca returns to action on Tuesday, October 25, when the team heads to SUNY Brockport for a 4:00 p.m. start.