TROY, N.Y. - The Ithaca College women's basketball team secured its fifth-straight win on Friday evening, narrowly defeating RPI 58–55 in a Liberty League matchup. With this victory over the Engineers, the Bombers improve their season record to 8–7 and now hold a 7–1 record in Liberty League play.
RPI opened the scoring with two successful free throw attempts from Amanda Gallagher. Just 10 seconds later, Anya Watkins responded with a clean jump shot for the Bombers, setting the tone for the back-and-forth nature of the matchup. The largest lead held by either team in the first quarter was five points, with RPI ahead 11–6. Nonetheless, thanks to strong offensive efforts by Watkins and June Dickson, the Bombers closed the Engineers lead to just 11–10 by the end of the quarter.
Ithaca started the second quarter strong, with Zoraida Icabalceta drilling a three-pointer to give the Bombers a quick lead. RPI responded with two consecutive layups by Siena Smith and Tyler Hormaz, reclaiming the lead. The Engineers extended their run with a six-point streak until Annabella Yorio drove to the hoop for a layup to re-ignite the Bombers offense. Seconds later, Annabella Yorio made one of two free throw attempts, bringing the Bombers within three points at 21–18 with 1:02 left in the half. A final layup by Sophie Costello of RPI and two successful free throws by Anya Watkins brought the halftime score to 23–20, with RPI leading.
Icabalceta once again kick-started the third quarter, driving to the hoop for a layup. The Bombers took their first lead since the second quarter at the 7:08 mark, courtesy of another layup by Watkins. However, the Engineers quickly responded, regaining the lead and going on a six-point run to extend the score to 40–30. The Bombers answered with a seven-point run to close the third quarter at 42–37.
Entering the fourth quarter, both teams showed no signs of backing down from this intense Liberty League battle. Elizabeth Majka began the Bombers offense with a successful free throw. Ithaca then went on a six-point streak to regain the lead at 48–46 with 5:24 remaining. With plenty of time left, the Engineers answered with five quick, unanswered points. The closing minutes saw a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging the lead. Ultimately, Icabalceta sealed the Bombers win with three clutch free throws, bringing the final score to 58–55.
Yorio led the Ithaca offensive attack with 14 points, followed by Icabalceta with 11 and Watkins with 10. Majka contributed a team-high four assists, with Icabalceta adding three.
The Bombers will remain on the road as they travel to Skidmore College tomorrow to face the Thoroughbreds in another Liberty League matchup at 2 p.m.
