ITHACA, N.Y. –  The Ithaca College women's soccer team is set to make history with the first-ever night game at Bertino Field at Butterfield Stadium this Friday, as they kick off their 2024 season against Elmira College. Under the seasoned guidance of head coach Mindy Quigg, now in her 31st season, the Bombers are poised to achieve double-digit victories for the fourth consecutive year, thanks to a roster brimming with experienced players.
 
"It's always helpful having a large group of returning players," said Quigg. "It allows us to progress a bit quicker in some areas, knowing our foundation is strong. We are fully committed to showing up every day with the intention to learn, grow, and make progress as a cohesive unit. If we do that, we feel confident that we can compete for the Liberty League title again and make a significant impact on the national stage."
 
The program welcomes back 26 players from last year's squad, which reached the semifinals of the Liberty League tournament. Ithaca posted a 10-3-4 overall record and remained unbeaten at home with a 7-0-3 record. The Bombers' roster includes 10 juniors, five seniors, and three graduate students, many of whom have logged significant minutes on the pitch.
 
IC returns both of its double-digit point scorers from a season ago: graduate midfielder Sarah Sinnott, who tallied 10 points on four goals and two assists, and fellow graduate student Ally Stanton, who also netted four goals and provided two assists.
 
Graduate student Rosie Bostian, another key forward, is aiming for a comeback season. Bostian, a 2022 All-Liberty League First Team and United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-East Region member, has scored 15 collegiate goals, including four game-winners. The squad also boasts other proven goal scorers such as Devin Sylvia, Jayne Bogle, Julia Cascone, Carrie Davis, Ella Shorkey, and Mia Medearis, each of whom scored two or more goals in 2023.
 
Bostian and her fellow forwards will look to connect with the midfield, where junior Kaelyn Fernandez often provides a spark. Fernandez, who has earned a place on the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Teams in both of her seasons, is coming off a sophomore season hampered by injury but still managed 13 starts, finishing with seven points on two goals and three assists.
 
The defensive backline is expected to be formidable, as the Bombers conceded just 10 goals all season, leading the Liberty League in the regular season with a 0.59 goals-against average. Leading the unit will be three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region III honoree Allison Heft.
 
Heft will anchor the defense alongside Allie McCabe and Margo Kasenchar, with Ali Amari and Reese Ruegamer also contributing on the wings and pushing forward in the offensive attack. They will be working closely with returning goalkeeper Grace Hickey, who earned All-Liberty League First Team honors in her first season as a starter. The senior started all 17 games, recording 57 saves and producing 10 shutouts.
 
The coaching staff has also been impressed by the newcomers who have been acclimating themselves to the program during preseason preparations and have shown a willingness to compete.
 
"Team chemistry has been fantastic," said Quigg. "Our returning players have created a safe and healthy environment which is helping our new players to integrate well. They are working together seamlessly, and camaraderie is strong. First years have made a remarkable impression so far. They have shown a strong unity and a full commitment to trusting our process. You can expect to see them on the pitch this fall and making a positive impact on our program."
 
The 2024 schedule will feature eight-straight non-conference opponents to begin the campaign, including two-straight home games against Elmira and York College (Pa.) on August 30 and September 1. The Bombers will then take on Mount Saint Mary College on September 7 before returning to Carp Wood Field to host crosstown rivals Cortland on September 11.

The Bombers will face Nazareth (Sept. 14), Alfred University (Sept. 17), and Lycoming College (Sept. 21) before hosting nationally ranked No. 6 University of Rochester on Friday, September 27, in the final non-conference game of the season. IC will then host Bard College in the Liberty League opener and celebrate Senior Day on September 28 before hosting the second ranked opponent in a week, conference foe No. 20 William Smith (Oct. 2).
 
Ithaca hosts St. Lawrence on October 5 before embarking on a five-game road trip, playing Clarkson (Oct. 12), Union (Oct. 18), Skidmore (Oct. 19), Vassar College (Oct. 26), and RIT (Oct. 29). IC will host RPI in the final game of the regular season on November 2.