ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team has earned the No. 1 seed for the first time since joining the Liberty League, finishing the 2024 regular season with a 12-2-3 overall record and a 7-2 mark in conference play. The Bombers will host the No. 4 seeded Skidmore Thoroughbreds, who defeated No. 5 RIT 1-0 on Tuesday. The semifinal match will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Carp Wood Field.

The No. 2 seed, William Smith (11-3-3, 6-1-2 Liberty League), will host No. 3 Vassar (11-2-5, 5-1-3 Liberty League) in the other semifinal game, also at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The highest remaining seed will host the championship match on Sunday, November 10. This could be the first time the Bombers host a Liberty League Championship on Carp Wood Field as they seek their second championship in three years.

Fans can follow the Ithaca/Skidmore semifinal via a video webcast and live stats.

SCOUTING ITHACA
Ithaca boasts the best defense in the Liberty League, conceding just seven goals in 19 matches. Goalkeeper Grace Hickey has the best goals-against average (.428) and has recorded 10 shutouts this season, contributing to two other goalless efforts. The Bombers' strong defensive backline includes Allison Heft, Allie McCabe, Ali Amari, and Reese Ruegamer, who have also contributed offensively with several goals and assists.

Sarah Sinnott leads the team with a career-high 10 goals, ranking third in the conference. Ava Detorie has nine assists, tied for the Liberty League best, and her two assists in the last match tied her for sixth most in program history for a single season. Graduate forward Ally Stanton has been clutch, with five of her seven goals being game-winners.

SCOUTING SKIDMORE
The Thoroughbreds secured their first Liberty League playoff victory since 2011 with a 1-0 shutout over No. 5 RIT. Ella Stone scored the decisive goal, her 13th of the season, leading the conference alongside her six game-winning goals. Stone has a Liberty League best 29 points with 13 goals and three assists. Abby Lewis, with six goals, has been a key player but hasn't played since early October. Goalkeeper Avery Rogers has a 0.59 goals-against average and eight shutouts.

SCOUTING WILLIAM SMITH
William Smith, currently tied for No. 11 nationally in the Oct. 29 United Soccer Coaches Poll, has three losses this season, the most since 2018. They have lost to Washington and Lee University (2-0), No. 19 Carnegie Mellon (4-1), and Ithaca (1-0) on Oct. 2.

The Herons rank third in the conference in total goals (35) and goals per game (2.06). Ruth Hotaling leads the team with 17 points, scoring four goals and providing nine assists. Kaleigh Darby, Majorie Plants, and Lindsay Ringbloom have also scored four or more goals. Goalkeeper Kirsten Nelson has started all 17 games, recording 42 saves and a 0.73 goals-against average.

William Smith and Vassar played to a scoreless draw on October 12 in Geneva, with William Smith outshooting Vassar 21-7, including 8-5 in shots on goal. All postseason games tied after 90 minutes will go to two 10-minute overtime periods, followed by a penalty kick shootout if necessary.

SCOUTING VASSAR
The Brewers are seeking their first Liberty League Championship after three previous final appearances (2010, 2017, 2019). Vassar leads the conference in total goals (47), goals per game (2.6), and total points (124). First year Alice Crowley has scored 12 goals, including four game-winners.

Vassar has used three goalkeepers this season, with first year Laura Shea making 12 appearances and eight starts. Shea has won six matches, with a 0.53 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage.