CORTLAND, N.Y. - The Ithaca College women's basketball team kicked off their regular season play with a rivalry matchup against the Cortland Red Dragons. This enduring rivalry is marked by years of fierce competition between the schools which was carried on in this game long head-to-toe battle. This year's edition came down to the final seconds as graduate guard Camryn Coffey sunk a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to down the Red Dragons, 70-69.
 
The first half seemed to be in favor of Ithaca who dominated the flow of the court in the first few minutes of the first quarter. However, Cortland responded and closed after 14-4 the Bombers built a lead in their favor to only have a 17-16 advantage at the end of the quarter.
 
The second quarter was evenly matched on both sides of the court with Ithaca only obtaining a max of a six-point lead in the quarter. Losing the lead for a moment the Bombers offense was eager to get it back. Ithaca regained the lead in the last minute of the quarter from a huge three-pointer from first year Tori Drevna and two good free throws made by Anya Watkins. These key plays gave Ithaca a 34-30 lead to go into the second half.
 
After the first 20 minutes of play, graduate student June Dickson and Tori Drevna highlighted the Bombers offense each with a total of eight points. Watkins also was a key contributor in the first half with six points. For the Red Dragons Brooke Tillotson led in points with seven alongside Logan Streety with six.
 
At the start of the second half, it was the Red Dragons who would score first on a layup from Kaeli McAnally. In similar fashion the Bombers offense was quick to respond scoring five points form Camryn Coffey, Annabella Yorio, and Dickson in less than a minute. This nail-biting contest continued throughout the third quarter, ending with Ithaca entering the final quarter with a 48-45 lead.
 
With less than 6 seconds to go, Camryn Coffey sunk a huge three pointer to win the game for the Bombers. Ithaca turned the ball over twice before the game-winner but played tough defense on each ensuing possession to keep Cortland within striking distance. This 70-69 victory marks the Bombers first win of the season.

WBB | 🚨Camryn Coffey sinks a buzzer beater 3-pointer to down the Red Dragons as Cortaca Weekend kicks off with women's basketball besting Cortland 70-69 #GoBombers #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/Lz9X3WHNAh

— Ithaca Bombers (@BomberSports) November 10, 2023

 
The Bombers will host their home opener at Ben Light Gymnasium on Monday, November 13 at 5:00 p.m., taking on Trinity College (Conn.) in a non-conference game.