ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The nationally ranked No. 23 Ithaca College field hockey team pulled away in the second half on the road, defeating No. 18 Rochester 2-0. 

The win propelled the Bombers to 7-5 on the season, and 2-1 in Liberty League play.  

Both teams' defenses started the game strong, as the Bombers managed just two shots during the first quarter of play while the Yellowjackets managed just one of their own, with neither team finding the back of the net during the first 15 minutes of action. 

The second quarter played out much of the same as the first quarter, as Rochester managed the only shot of the frame, sending both teams to the break tied at 0-0. 

Ithaca came out of the halftime break with a purpose, as Catherine Papa provided the first shot on goal for either side of the afternoon but was turned away by the Yellowjackets goalie.

 The Bombers would get another opportunity on a penalty corner five minutes into the frame but would be turned away once again by the Rochester defense. 

The offensive momentum would carry the Bombers to the first points of the matchup, as Julianna Valli sent a redirect from Natalie Descalso into the back of the net to give Ithaca a 1-0 lead with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter. 

Ithaca would score again just one minute later, as Catherine Papa secured her second goal of the season just 28 seconds into the fourth quarter to put the Bombers on top 2-0. Descalso earned an assist on the goal, marking her second of the afternoon. 

The Yellowjackets were outshot 7-3 in the second half en route to the Ithaca win, while Maeve Clark posted three saves. 

The Bombers travel to Troy to take on RPI on Friday, October 18.