ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team used back-to-back goals in the first half to take down Liberty League foe Clarkson University, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon.
 
Ithaca is now 7-4-1 on the season with an even 2-2 record in conference action.
 
The Bombers pulled ahead of the Golden Knights 25:49 into play. Junior Kelsey Espenhorst netted her second goal of the season, finishing a pass from senior McKensie Galusha.
 
Less than two minutes later, IC extended its lead to two goals as senior Gabriella Mihale headed in a cross from junior Alex Epifani. The goal marks Mihale's fourth of the season, as well as Epifani's team-leading fifth assist.
 
Ithaca controlled the game from the start, registering the only offense of the game until the 27^th minute.
 
Espenhorst put the first shot on goal just 1:59 in, which was saved by Clarkson goalkeeper Elyse Green. First-year Delaney Rutan's shot in the 12^th minute was high before Green made another save on an Epifani attempt in the 17^th minute.
 
The Golden Knights recorded their first shot on the game in the 27^th minute, as Danielle Martin sent a ball in. Senior goalkeeper Sara Jakobsze, however, made her first save of the game on the shot.
 
Clarkson recorded just one more shot in the first half, as a Giulia Mahoney shot went wide in the 33^rd minute.
 
After 10 minutes of play to open up the second half, IC generated a corner kick in the 56^th minute, which resulted in a header from Mihale, which was high.
 
The following minute, Jakobsze made her second save of the game on an Alicia Bushey shot. Jakobsze was tested again in the 68^th minute, but stopped a Camryn Careccia shot.
 
Ithaca had two solid chances in the 75^th and 77^th minutes, but both Ally Christman and Megan O'Reilly's shots sailed high.
 
Clarkson continued to pressure Ithaca's defense as the clocked ticked down, looking to cut the Bombers lead.
 
Careccia put a ball on frame in the 78^th minute, which was saved. Jakobsze also stopped another Mahoney shot in the 81^st minute to keep the Golden Knights off the board.
 
Ithaca placed one more shot on goal with less than four minutes left, as Christina DiCesare blasted the ball, but Green made the play to stop it.
 
The Bombers outshot Clarkson 10-6 and both teams had five shots on goal. In the net, Jakobsze finished with five saves while Green made three for Clarkson. The win marks Jakobsze's fifth shutout of the season.
 
Ithaca is back in action on Friday as the Bombers host Union College at 4 p.m. IC will then host Skidmore on Saturday at 2 p.m., which will also be senior day honoring Jakobsze, Jordyn Haynes, Elise Leavitt, Mihale, Devin Morris, Galusha and Christman.