ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer program put together an outstanding team effort in its season-opening 5-1 win over nearby Elmira College on Wednesday afternoon at Carp Wood Field. Ithaca played its first regular season match since November 2, 2019 and the first on its home surface since October 30. The win marked career No. 350 for Ithaca's head coach Mindy Quigg. The winningest coach in program history now ranks 26th all-time in NCAA Division III.

Both teams battled the elements of constant rainfall through the duration of the match, but it didn't seem to affect the Bombers. IC opened the scoring at the 4:40 mark of the first half with Alex Epifani placing a shot past the opposing keeper as she was setup by a whipped in cross from Rachel Richards.

IC built off the quick goal that was scored within the first five minutes and tallied 24 shots compared zero by the Soaring Eagles, who were defending within their own half for most of the period. The Bombers continued to pepper the net and were rewarded with another goal in the 16th minute to make it 2-0. Richards tallied the marker off a corner from Rebecca Jackson.

In the 25th minute, Ithaca extended its lead to 3-0 as Sophia Mahoney found the back of the net off a quick touch from Kelsey Espenhorst, who was credited with the assist. Just under 10 minutes later, Katy Krueger put home Ithaca's fourth goal of the half.

Elmira was able to get on the board in the 59th minute of the contest off a takeaway, but the Bombers would finish off the contest with a goal from Hannah Leask just seconds into the 81st minute.

IC would go out to outshoot Elmira, 44-3, and held a distinct advantage in corner kicks, 12-0.

Claire Reader earned her first victory in goal as she played 66 minutes. Grace Hickey finished off the final 24 minutes of play and made one save.

The Bombers are back home this Saturday, September 4 with another non-conference tilt against Wilkes University at 12 p.m.