ITHACA, N.Y. - The Ithaca College women's basketball team made their 2022-2023 season debut at home with a nail-biting 64–55 win in overtime over the Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland.
The entirety of the first quarter saw some impressive play from all over the court. The Bombers first year guard
Zoraida Icabalceta made an outstanding rookie season debut, managing to put up a third of the team's points in the initial frame. The Bombers dominated the paint, outscoring the Dragons 14–6, but Cortland's defense was tough to beat — closing out the quarter tied 15–15.
The Red Dragons continued to apply pressure early in the second quarter, quickly putting up two consecutive 3-pointers to lead the Bombers early in the quarter. The Bombers graduate student guard
Cara Volpe was essential in keeping the squad in the game, managing to grab two defensive rebounds that led to scoring opportunities. However, it was Cortland who secured the quarter, heading into the half leading 32–26.
The Bombers shined on both ends of the court in the third frame, managing to put up 16 points while holding the Dragons to 14, nearly closing the leading gap. Senior guard
Camryn Coffey and senior forward
Emily Dorn led the quarter in points, putting up three and four points, respectively. However, the Dragons were able to pull away once more, draining a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to secure the quarter 46–42.
The Bombers continued to chip away at the scoreboard well into the fourth and final quarter, putting up crucial points to hold Cortland to no more than a two-basket lead. Dorn led the Bombers in points for the second consecutive quarter, putting up three layups to tie the competition 53–53 in the final 30 seconds of play. The remainder of regulation played out scoreless, sending the game into overtime.
For the first time all game, it was the Bombers who led the frame, dominating the play on all sides of the court. Icabalceta continued to shine, putting up the first points of post-regulation by draining a 3-pointer only 26 seconds into play that had the crowd on their feet. With some strong defensive play, the Bombers managed to hold the Dragons to a single basket, ultimately closing out the game 64–55 to secure their first victory of the season.
Icabalceta led all scorers with 19 points in her collegiate debut. She netted 4-of-5 attempts from downtown, while adding three assists.
Cara Volpe finished a basket away from a double-double with eight points and a team-high 10 boards.
The No. 20/22 ranked Ithaca College return to action on Friday, November 11 with a road contest at Montclair State University. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
