SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Ithaca College field hockey team kicked off the 2017 season on Saturday afternoon when it took on Kean University in the first day of the Connie Harnum Classic, hosted by Susquehanna University. The Bombers offense was stifled against the talented NJAC side, as IC fell by a final score of 3-0. The loss pushes Ithaca into the consolation game against Wilkes University on Sunday.
 
Looking to get off to a strong start in first-year head coach Kaitlyn Wahila's debut contest with the program, Ithaca really struggled to get anything going against Kean. The Cougars entered the weekend sitting just outside the initial NFHCA Top-20 rankings, but showcased their ability to shutdown opponents to perfection in limiting the Bombers from getting much going offensively in the contest.
 
Kean outshot Ithaca 18-to-3 in attempts at goal in the contest, which included a 9-0 advantage in the opening half. Teresa Carr put the Cougars up 1-0 in the 16^th minute of play, firing home a shot after a nice pass from Shauna LaMaina. Continuing to hold the lion's share of possession in the attacking end of the field, Kean doubled the lead just before the break when LaMaina scored just 2:56 before the half. The goal was a big one, as Ithaca had begun to get a foothold in the contest with stronger possession prior to the LaMaina tally.
 
Although sophomore goalkeeper Savanna Lenker turned away seven shots in her 70 minutes of work, it would not be enough with IC registering three shot attempts in the final 35 minutes. LaMaina sealed the game with a second goal with 3:01 remaining.
 
Freshman Arleigh Rodgers, senior Michaela Donohue and junior Maria McGloin each posted a lone shot attempt in the game.
 
Ithaca returns to action tomorrow afternoon with the consolation game of the Connie Harnum Classic. The Bombers will face Wilkes University, who lost to tournament-host Susquehanna 4-3 in overtime in the other Saturday contest. Sunday's game is scheduled to begin at noon.