ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College field hockey team improved its record to 8-2 on the season and 2-0 in the Liberty League, and ran its winning streak to five straight, as the Bombers defeated the University of Rochester, 1-0, at Higgins Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Rochester falls to 7-3 overall and 1-1 in league play.

Rochester wasted no time applying pressure on Ithaca, as the Yellowjackets forced a turnover in the opening 20 seconds to set up a breakaway. A few seconds later, UR sent a shot on goal, but Macy Brandwein was there to earn her first save of the game.

From there, it was a battle between the Liberty League foes to sustain possession. UR controlled a majority of the action but was only able to attempt one more shot in the quarter, which was blocked. The Bombers attempted their first shot of the contest with 17 seconds to go as Samantha Horowitz put it on frame for a save by Rochester.

In the second quarter, Ithaca put together numerous opportunities, with four shots and two corners.

Late in the quarter, IC drew a corner with 1:28 remaining in the half. Off the insert, Victoria Sestito fired a shot from left wing of the circle, which was deflected by Grace Ziehnert and saved by the UR goalkeeper. Horowitz followed up with a shot off the rebound, but Rochester was there to make a defensive save and keep the game knotted at 0-0.

It was much of the same pace of play through the second half. IC and Rochester each took one shot in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, UR registered two shots within the opening 3:15, which were both saved by Brandwein. The Yellowjackets took another shot with just under six minutes remaining, which went wide.

With 3:16 left in the game, Morgan Mullen sent the Bombers to victory with a tip in goal from the near post. IC regained possession towards midfield and cycled a few passes along the Bombers' sideline. Natalie Descalso then sent a cross into the middle of the circle, which ended up being deflected by Amberly Christiansen to a waiting Mullen for the game-winner.

Rochester outshot Ithaca, 12-7, but Brandwein made five saves to keep the 'Jackets off the scoreboard for the first time since September 1, 2019. It also marked Brandwein's second shutout of the season.

The Bombers remain at home for a non-conference contest against Oneonta on October 6 at 6 p.m.