GENEVA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team used an early first half goal to establish momentum and they carried that energy all 90 minutes to earn the 3-0 win over Union College on Saturday. With the victory, the No. 2 seeded Ithaca moves onto the championship match of the Liberty League Championship Tournament against No. 1 seed William Smith on Sunday.

The Bombers opened the scoring in the 13^th minute as they scored off a corner kick opportunity. Delaney Rutan whipped in the corner, it was settled by Alex Epifani who beat her defender with a dribble and the goal was headed into the back of the net by Kelsey Espenhorst.

Espenhorst achieved her brace with a long distance shot attempt that found the inner twine of the back of the net. After the ball bobbled in the 18-yard box it squirted out to the midfielder who took a touch to her right foot and from 26-yards out she rocketed the ball into the upper left-hand corner of the net. Espenhort left no chance for the Dutchwomen goalkeeper Abby Mitty to make a save as it was her seventh goal of the 2021 season.

With the 2-0 advantage, Ithaca carried the lead into the halftime break. The Bombers held a 10-6 advantage in shot attempts placing five on net and Claire Reader was a brick wall in goal as she tallied four first half saves.

In the 60^th minute, Kelsey Espenhorst achieved her first-ever collegiate hat-trick when she completed a give and go opportunity with fellow midfielder Megan O'Reilly. In the buildup play, Espenhorst laid the ball of to Megan O'Reilly who then weighted a perfect through ball that once again fell to Kelsey Espenhorst who was able to slot past the outstretched arms of Abby Mitty.

The Bombers stymied every attacking chance that Union was able to muster, and Claire Reader finished with her ninth shutout of the season. She has recorded six saves now in three-straight matches.

Ithaca finished the game with a 13-8 edge in shots and earned 12 corner kicks compared to the Dutchwomen's six attempts.

The Bombers will now turn their attention to nationally ranked  No. 3 ranked William Smith as they will battle tomorrow, Nov. 7 in the Liberty League Championship. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. in Geneva, N.Y. on Cozzens Field.