CORTLAND, N.Y. – The Ithaca College field hockey team returned to action on Wednesday afternoon, making the short trip to face rival SUNY Cortland at Stadium White. The Red Dragons held the Bombers scoreless in a 3-0 IC defeat, dropping the Ithaca to 0-2 on the young season.
 
The home side jumped out on the front foot early on in the contest, hemming Ithaca in its own defensive zone for most of the first half. SUNY Cortland racked up a 15-1 advantage in shots during opening 35 minutes of play. However, IC only conceded one goal, a marker by Cortland's Meg Redmond from the top of the striking circle in the 26^th minute.  
 
It looked as though Ithaca's outstanding senior goalkeeper, Katie Lass, might be the difference in the contest. The Bomber backstop made nine saves in the opening half to keep IC within range.
 
The Red Dragons doubled their lead just 1:04 into the second half when Cortland's Anna Branch deflected a feed from Gabby Stein through the pads of Lass to make the score 2-0.
 
The Bombers were able to generate more offense down the stretch, firing five shot attempts during the second half. IC also earned four penalty corners during the second session, but were unable to best Cortland keeper, Kailynne Reinoehl, who finished with two saves.
 
Lass stopped three shots in the second half, but Megan O'Brien was able to add a third goal for the home side during the 55^th minute of play. Maddie Keppel added a defensive save for the Bombers. Colleen Keegan-Twombly led IC with two shot attempts, including one on target.
 
Ithaca returns to action on Saturday, September 10, when it kicks off Empire 8 play during its home opener against Utica College. Start time at Higgins Stadium is slated for 1:00 p.m.