Match Info
Friday, September 16, 2016
Ithaca vs. #14 Carnegie Mellon, 2:00 p.m.
Ithaca vs. Stevenson, 6:00 p.m.
 
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Ithaca vs. Franklin & Marshall, 12:00 p.m.
Ithaca vs. #13 Eastern, 2:00 p.m.
 
Game Coverage
*Live Stats and video stream will only be available for Ithaca's match against Franklin & Marshall*
Live Stats | Video Stream
 
Last Time Out
The Bombers completed an impressive sweep through its competition at last weekend's Buttermaker Tournament, hosted by Muhlenberg College. Ithaca won all four of its matches in straight-sets, defeating Scranton, DeSales, Cabrini and the tournament hosts. The victories extended Ithaca's record to 7-2 on the year, also stretching its winning streak to six consecutive matches. Two IC players were honored at the conclusion of the two-day event, as Joelle Goldstein and Amanda Cerruti were named to the All-Tournament Team.
 
Player of the Week
Ithaca secured its first conference weekly award of the season this past Monday, as Joelle Goldstein was named Empire 8 Player of the Week by the league office. Goldstein paced the Ithaca offense during the 5-0 week. She racked up 52 kills on 127 attacks over the course of the week's action. She saved her best for the weekend tournament, amassing double-digit kills in each match, as the Bombers beat three teams with winning records, including previously unbeaten DeSales University. She marked double-doubles in three of the matches, bringing her total to four on season.
 
Conference Leaders
The Bombers have several players ranked among the best on the conference's statistical leaderboards. Goldstein ranks second in the Empire 8 with 89 kills. Caitlyn Floyd (159) and Kayla Gromen (145), rank sixth and eighth, respectively in assists. Hailey Adler is tied for fifth with 18 service aces. Amanda Cerruti leads the conference with 38 total blocks (14 solo – 24 assist). Tara Stillwell leads the conference with 177 digs.
 
Scouting Carnegie Mellon
The Tartans enter the weekend as one of the hottest teams in the country. Carnegie Mellon jumped 10 spots in the latest AVCA Top-25 Poll, rising to No. 14 after a strong performance at last weekend's Juniata Asics Invitational. CMU defeated two top-10 opponents in No. 8 Wittenberg and No. 9 Christopher Newport, while it also played a competitive four-set contest against No. 2 Juniata. The two wins elevated CMU's record to 8-1 on the year. The Tartans boast a well-balanced attack with five players amassing 50-plus kills on the year. Lauren Mueller paces the group on the outside with 69 kills, while Eliza Donohue is formidable in the middle with 61 kills.
 
Scouting Stevenson
The Mustangs have also gotten off to a fast start to the 2016 campaign. Stevenson enters the weekend with a 9-2 record, riding an eight-match winning streak that includes six straight-sets victories. Annika Schwartz is the team's primary offensive target on the outside, amassing 130 kills through 11 matches. Lauren Weaver has also chipped in 85 kills, while Victoria Prokic also gives the Mustang's a lethal interior threat with 70 kills.
 
Scouting Franklin & Marshall
The tournament hosts will not be an easy out at this weekend's scramble. Franklin & Marshall enters the two-day event with a record of 7-1 on the season, but is coming off a three-set loss to Susquehanna in its latest match. Ellie Ezekiel is the team's top attacking presence on the outside with 70 kills. Grace Polisano and Sarah Landry also are significant options at the pins, posting 64 and 60 kills, respectively. Cassie Garison and Christine Yoo are a potent tandem in the middle, each entering play on Friday with 45 kills and ranking as the Diplomats' top two blockers.
 
Scouting Eastern
Eastern is the only team to enter this weekend's tournament with an undefeated record, as the Eagles have posted a 7-0 record out of the gates this season. They enter the weekend as the No. 13 team in the latest AVCA Top-25 Poll. Stephanie Elechko is the team's top attacker with 106 kills, while Alicia Weigel is another dangerous hitter with 60 kills on the year. Michelle Paulsen is an excellent defender at the net, pacing the team with 27 total blocks (5 solo – 22 assists).
 
Looking Ahead
Ithaca jumps back into Empire 8 play on Wednesday, September 21, when the Bombers welcome Elmira to Ben Light Gymnasium for a 6:00 p.m. match.