SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – It was a defensive battle for all 90 minutes on Friday as the No. 9 ranked Ithaca College women's soccer team squared off with Union College in a road match. The Garnet Chargers saw Hannah Sams score an effort from over 40-yards out in the 81^st minute and it proved to be the lone goal of the match. The loss was the first of the season for the Bombers who fall to 9-1-3 and 4-1 within the Liberty League, while Union improved to 9-2-4 overall and 2-1-2 within conference play.
 
The Bombers were trying to clear the ball from their defensive third when the ball was intercepted by Hannah Sams who gathered and ripped a left footed effort that left no chance of a Grace Hickey save as it dipped into the upper left corner. The goal was the second of the season for Sams.
 
Ithaca pressed for an equalizer during the final nine minutes of the match forcing two saves from Maya Koster. Zara Nourie placed a shot on target that was pushed away after a corner kick and in the closing minute, Rosie Bostian was denied.
 
The Bombers outshot Union by a 15-8 margin, while also placing six shots on target compared to the Garnet Chargers four. Bostian finished with a match-high four shots. Lilyana Baldi came off the IC bench and had two shots in 28 minutes. Grace Hickey finished with three saves.
 
Ithaca will look to return to its winning ways in a quick turnaround with another road match slated for Saturday. The Bombers are slated to take on No. 18 Skidmore who tied RIT 2-2 and have a record of 8-0-3 and 3-0-2 in conference. Game time is slated for 3 p.m.