SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Ithaca College field hockey team was back in action at the Sassafras Field Complex on Sunday afternoon, as the Bombers took part in the consolation game of the Connie Harnum Classic, hosted by Susquehanna University. First-year head coach Kaitlyn Wahila notched her first victory at the helm of the IC program, as the Bombers bested Wilkes University 2-1 in an exciting bout. Ithaca closes the opening weekend with a 1-1 overall record.
 
In stark contrast to Saturday, where Ithaca struggled to gain a foothold in the offensive zone against a talented Kean program, IC found more space to maneuver against the Colonels on Sunday. On the strength of two first-half goals by senior striker Michaela Donohue, the Bombers were able to see out their first win of 2017, fending off a late surge by Wilkes in the waning moments of the game.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Savanna Lenker registered her first career win at the collegiate level. She made three saves in the entire 70 minutes to improve her record to 1-1 on the season.
 
Both sides saw early scoring chances during the beginning of the game. Lenker made two of her three saves in the opening five minutes, while Ithaca looked to have a surefire goal in the 13^th minute when Donohue fired shot on cage. However, a defensive save by Wilkes' Amber Grohowski kept the game scoreless.
 
Ithaca got on the board with the first goal of the 2017 season shortly thereafter. With IC pressing the attack in the 25^th minute, sophomore Brooke Novello made an excellent move to cage, before slotting a pass to Donohue. The senior was not denied this time, depositing a shot past the sprawled keeper Dallas Kendra and into the open cage to lift Ithaca to a 1-0 lead.
 
The Bombers doubled the advantage with a momentous goal just 2:25 before the halftime horn. With Ithaca holding possession in the attacking end following a penalty corner opportunity in the 32^nd minute, Donohue notched her second goal of the game by capitalizing on a great pass from freshman striker Arleigh Rodgers. The 2-0 halftime advantage gave Ithaca much needed breathing room heading into the second half.
 
The second session was played much more closely defensively with neither team allowing much space in the attacking thirds of the field. Ithaca was held to just two shot attempts after the break; however, the squad was intent on playing sound defense holding the 2-0 advantage on the scoreboard.
 
Lenker looked poised to post a shutout in her first collegiate victory; however, Amber Grohowski continued her big afternoon for the Colonels with a goal in the 68^th minute. The score setup a frantic finish in which Wilkes won a pair of penalty corner opportunities as time was expiring. The Colonels got two shot attempts away during the chances, but both drifted wide of the cage.
 
The multi-goal effort from Donohue was the fourth of her collegiate career. The two scores helped Donohue earn selection to the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the event. Novello also earned placement on the team, scoring the assist on Donohue's first goal.
 
The Bombers return to action on Wednesday, September 6, when they conclude the three-game road swing to the begin the season at Utica College. Start time for the contest is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.